About riding shared e-bikes and e-scooters

About devices in shared schemes

Shared e-bikes and e-scooters are provided by private companies who make them available for people to rent. These companies are called sharing scheme operators or operators.

Shared devices are parked in public spaces to make them easy for people to find and use. You can hire an e-bike or e-scooter using the app provided by the operator who owns the device you want to use.

Shared e-bikes are available to ride in some areas of Sydney. Shared e-scooters are available to ride in designated trial sites in NSW:

• Forster-Tuncurry until 30 June 2026.
• Wollongong until 22 January 2027.

Learn more about the Shared E-scooter Trial Program.

Rules for riding shared e-bikes

When riding a shared e-bike, you need to follow the road rules for bike riders.

Some shared e-bike operators set age limits for riding and have other rules in place. You will need to make sure you understand and agree to the conditions for using a shared e-bike before you ride.

Rules for riding shared e-scooters in trial sites

You can only ride a shared e-scooter in NSW if you are over 16 years old.

It is illegal for you to ride a privately-owned e-scooter on public roads and paths in NSW, including inside shared e-scooter trial sites.

To stay safe in e-scooter trial sites:

• only ride shared e-scooters on designated bicycle lanes and paths, shared paths and roads (when the road has a speed limit of 50km/h or less)
• you must not ride shared e-scooters on footpaths – this is illegal
• you must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times
• don't carry another person or animal on your shared e-scooter
• limit your speed to 10km/h on shared paths and 20km/h on roads and bicycle lanes
• park your shared e-scooter thoughtfully, using marked bays if they are provided
• wear brightly coloured clothing, so other road users can see you easily.

Serious penalties apply for drink and drug riding.

Know the rules before riding

You must follow the rules for riding shared e-scooters in NSW. Companies who provide shared e-scooters can also place special conditions on their use. You need to understand and agree to the conditions for using a shared e-scooter before you ride.

Parking shared e-bikes and e-scooters

Poorly parked e-bikes and e-scooters can make our streets and paths unsafe for pedestrians, particularly people with a disability or mobility needs.

When you have finished riding a shared e-bike or shared e-scooter it is your responsibility to park it thoughtfully.

Treat the device, the environment and other people who are using the public space with respect. 

Do not vandalise the device, block footpaths or entries when parking, or leave it in gardens, waterways or water features.

Using designated parking bays

In many busy locations like town centres, beach fronts and commercial districts, parking bays have been nominated for riders to use. 

These can be: 

• virtual – visible only to riders through the operator apps
• marked with line marking and/or signs and also visible in the operator apps. 

If you are finishing your ride in an area with designated parking bays, you must park in them. Operators may continue to charge you for your trip and you could face other penalties. 

When parking in designated parking bays, ensure your device is straight, upright and has its nose or rear to kerb. 

Parking in areas without parking bays

When there are no nominated or designated parking bays and you want to finish your trip, you should park your device in an upright position. You must:

• allow room for people with wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams on footpaths and in shared zones
• avoid blocking doors, emergency exits or entries to businesses or train stations
• avoid bus stops and bus bays
• avoid parking under bus shelters or blocking access to street furniture like benches
• avoid blocking car parking spots
• avoid using bicycle racks, leaving these for people who need to chain up and secure privately owned bikes.