Micromobility sharing schemes in NSW
E-bikes and e-scooters that are provided by commercial operators for hire (micromobility sharing schemes) can make it easier to travel short distances and connect to public transport.
Micromobility sharing schemes
The NSW Government is introducing a new statewide framework for micromobility sharing schemes to improve safety, consistency and accountability across NSW.
Micromobility sharing schemes allow people to hire shared devices for short trips. These services can help people connect to public transport and travel locally without a car.
In NSW, shared micromobility devices are provided by private operators and are used in public places such as footpaths, shared paths and streets.
How sharing schemes work
Shared devices are owned and supplied by private companies, known as sharing scheme operators, or operators.
Devices are parked in public places, so they are easy for people to find and use.
- Shared e-bikes are available in some parts of Greater Sydney.
- Shared e-scooters are currently only permitted in designated trial areas under the Shared E-scooter Trial Program.
New rules for sharing scheme services
The use of shared devices has increased across NSW and Transport for NSW is committed to supporting more trips to be taken on a shared device.
While these services offer clear transport and environmental benefits, poorly parked devices have had an impact on safety and amenity in public spaces.
Sharing schemes operate under voluntary arrangements that vary between council areas and limited powers for councils and Transport for NSW to enforce safety standards. This has made it difficult to manage issues consistently and ensure sharing scheme services meet community expectations,
To address this, the NSW Government is introducing a statewide regulatory framework for micromobility sharing schemes. In November 2025, the Road Transport and Other Legislation Amendment (Micromobility Vehicles and Smartcards) Bill 2025 passed through Parliament, and work is underway to establish related regulations.
What is changing?
The new rules introduce minimum standards for sharing scheme operators in NSW, which will be checked and enforced by Transport. These standards cover areas such as safety, insurance, data sharing and complaints handling.
Local councils and other public land managers will continue to play a key role in deciding how sharing schemes operate locally.
Under the new arrangements, councils and public land managers will have greater control over sharing schemes in their area, setting controls for operators through an authorisation. This includes the ability to:
- set conditions for their local area
- introduce no go zones or no-go zones
- set specific parking arrangements.
Transport for NSW will continue to work with councils to support consistent implementation across NSW.
Poorly parked shared devices can create safety risks and accessibility issues, particularly for people with disability, parents with prams and older pedestrians.
The new rules for sharing schemes give more power to local councils and State Government land managers to set and enforce parking arrangements.
To help them provide better parking for shared e-bikes, Transport has published Bike and Micromobility Parking Guidance and is making funds available to support delivery through the Sharing Scheme Grant Program.
This builds on existing initiatives such as the Shared e-bike parking pilot.
Councils also retain their existing powers under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 to manage devices that are unsafe, obstructive or left in one place for too long.
Learn more about reporting poorly parked shared e-bikes and shared e-scooters.
Between January and early May 2026, Transport for NSW engaged with stakeholders on the new regulatory framework for sharing schemes. The following documents were released:
- A new approach to sharing schemes in NSW: consultation summary document (PDF 674.73KB)
- Draft Road Transport (General) Amendment (Micromobility Shared Arrangements) Regulation 2026 (PDF 71.4KB)
- Draft Micromobility Sharing Schemes Data Guidance (PDF 498.32KB)
- Draft Bike and Micromobility Device Parking Guidance (PDF 1.35MB)
You can view the consultation page at E-micromobility sharing schemes reform - Have Your Say.
Transport also hosted a public webinar to explain the proposed reforms and respond to questions from councils, operators and stakeholders. You can:
- watch the webinar on proposed e-bike and e-scooter reforms (5 March 2026)
- read the webinar questions and answers (PDF).
In previous years, Transport carried out workshops and briefings to inform policy development. You can view:
- E-micromobility stakeholder workshop – 2023 (PDF 180.95KB)
- E-micromobility stakeholder workshop – 2024 (PDF 505.63KB).
Key themes and questions raised through consultation, webinars and workshops are reflected in the proposed regulation, data guidance and parking guidance materials.
What this means for the community
The reforms better balance the benefits of sharing schemes with the needs of the wider community.
For residents and pedestrians, this means:
- clearer rules about where devices can be used and parked
- improved safety and accessibility in public spaces
- stronger accountability for operators.
For riders:
- continued access to a flexible and affordable transport option
- improved support for first and last mile travel.
Sharing Scheme Grant Program
Councils and selected State Government land managers (authorities) can now apply for funding to deliver off- and on street parking bays, supporting infrastructure, wayfinding, maintenance and renewal works, and targeted community education activities.
Authorities can seek up to $200,000 (ex GST) per application for upfront funding for planned works, and will also be able to make a one-off application for additional funding (uncapped) to cover funds already spent on works and activities (subject to meeting program requirements).
To be eligible, applicants must be listed in the draft regulations as an authority and must have sharing scheme services operating or planned to operate in their area.
Applications can be made via Sharing Scheme Grant Program.