They’re convenient, eco-friendly, and seemingly everywhere—shared e-bikes have become a familiar part of urban life in Australia.
Zipping along coastal paths or parked near cafés and shopping strips, these two-wheelers promise a modern solution to short-distance travel. But in some neighbourhoods, their presence is beginning to wear thin.
A local council has announced a sweeping move that could change how—and if—these bikes operate in the area.
What prompted this crackdown? And how might it affect residents, visitors, and the future of micromobility in Sydney?
Waverley Council, which oversees the Eastern Suburbs including Bondi and Bondi Junction, has announced it will begin impounding shared e-bikes that are causing safety risks or obstructing public spaces.
The decision to crack down on shared e-bikes comes after months of complaints from residents and concerns raised by Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh.
According to the council, the bikes are often left carelessly on footpaths, creating hazards for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues or prams. Additionally, some riders have been accused of using the bikes recklessly, posing safety risks to others.
‘While share bikes are a state government responsibility, council will not stand by and wait for somebody to be injured,’ said Mayor Nemesh. ‘Impounding bikes that are causing a safety risk will immediately reduce the likelihood of harm to residents and visitors.’
The council has also expressed frustration with the operators of shared e-bike services, accusing them of failing to manage their fleets responsibly. ‘If share bike operators cannot do business responsibly, then they should not be doing business in Waverley,’ Nemesh added.
Under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021, Waverley Council has the authority to impound shared e-bikes that obstruct access to public spaces, interfere with public amenities, or pose a safety risk.
Once a bike is flagged as an issue, the operator has three hours to address the problem. If they fail to do so, the bike will be impounded, and the operator will have 28 days to reclaim it—for a fee.
The council has already reached an agreement with one operator, Lime, which has committed to a range of measures to address the issues.
These include setting a cap on the number of bikes allowed in the area at any one time, establishing designated parking spots along with restricted parking zones, and using geofencing technology to create no-go zones where bikes cannot be parked or operated.
Additionally, the company has agreed to contribute financially to the implementation of these initiatives and is considering limiting bike speeds in certain high-traffic or sensitive locations to enhance public safety.
Other operators, including HelloRide, Beam, and Ario, are reportedly in discussions with the council but have yet to reach similar agreements.
The popularity of shared e-bikes has skyrocketed in recent years. According to Waverley Council, the number of shared bike trips in the area increased by a staggering 350 per cent between 2021 and 2024. While this growth highlights the demand for convenient and sustainable transport options, it has also amplified the challenges associated with managing these services.
The council has called for a more coordinated approach, including a state-run tender process for bike share services with clear operational controls. This would ensure that operators are held accountable and that the needs of both riders and the broader community are balanced.
For those who use e-bikes, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations in New South Wales. Permitted e-bikes must have an electric motor and battery that assist the rider with pedalling up to a maximum speed of 25km/h. Petrol-powered bikes and those with internal combustion engines are illegal.
E-bikes cannot be ridden on footpaths and must not be used ‘negligently, furiously, or recklessly,’ according to Transport for NSW. Helmets are mandatory for all riders, and police have the authority to issue fines for rule violations.
A state parliamentary inquiry into e-bikes was launched last year, and Transport for NSW is currently considering its findings. The outcome of this inquiry could lead to further changes in how e-bikes are regulated across the state.
As Waverley Council takes a stand, it’s clear that more work is needed to create a system that works for everyone. Whether through stricter regulations, better technology, or improved collaboration between councils and operators, finding a solution will require input from all stakeholders.
What do you think about Waverley Council’s decision to impound shared e-bikes? Have you had any positive or negative experiences with them in your area? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: The hidden dangers of e-bikes: Are you overlooking the hazards?
