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 2025
• Wollongong until 30 June 2025.

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. Sharing scheme operators can also place special conditions on their use. This often includes an age limit for riders.

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.

The operator app used to book your ride has information for you on appropriate parking. Some operator apps will identify designated parking areas for you to use. Around some train and Metro stations in Sydney, you will find designated and marked parking bays to use.

If designated parking areas are identified near you in the operator app, you must park in them. Some areas are marked with signs.

In some instances, your trip will not end if you don't park in these bays. You may continue to be charged for using the device if you leave it in an inappropriate place.

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 should always:

• 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 parking under bus shelters or blocking access to street furniture like benches
• avoid blocking car parking spots
• avoid using bicycle loops or racks, leaving these for people who need to chain up and secure privately owned bikes.

Reporting crashes, incidents or poorly parked devices

If you are involved in a safety incident or crash involving a shared e-bike or shared e-scooter, seek medical or emergency assistance as needed.

You should also contact the relevant operator:

• if you are involved in a crash or safety incident, including if you narrowly avoided an incident with one of their devices.
• to report abandoned or poorly parked devices, where they are creating a traffic or pedestrian hazard or other risk.

Shared e-bikes and shared e-scooters are branded to help you identify which company you need to contact. Most devices are marked with a unique number or combination of letters. If you can, provide this when you make a report.