Local councils move to regulate e-bike sharing schemes

Local governments in Australia and the United Kingdom are addressing the regulation and implementation of e-bike sharing schemes.

In Australia, Bayside Council has submitted a draft to Transport for NSW regarding the reform of statewide micromobility frameworks. The council is seeking clarity on insurance, risk allocation, and operator responsibilities to manage public concerns regarding e-bike parking, obstruction, and fleet enforcement. Bayside is preparing its own policy to implement once the state government's reform package is released in late 2026.

In the United Kingdom, Waltham Forest Council has launched a public consultation to potentially lift a ban on dockless e-bike operators like Lime and Forest. The council is considering a phased rollout that would include designated parking bays and limits on the number of bikes to protect walking routes and ensure safe usage.