URGENT UPDATE: E-bike accidents are surging in New South Wales, with four confirmed fatalities reported so far in 2025, according to officials. The alarming increase in incidents has prompted authorities to issue a stark warning about the dangers of riding e-bikes and e-scooters.
Transport for NSW has noted a “marked growth in popularity” of e-bikes, but this rise has come at a deadly cost. Central West Zone Manager for NSW Ambulance, Superintendent Melanie Lawler, revealed that ambulance services have responded to over 130 patients involved in e-bike and e-scooter-related incidents between the Central West and Far West regions this year alone.
Tragically, a woman was killed in an accident in Lithgow in February 2025, highlighting the life-threatening risks associated with these vehicles. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that injuries can vary in severity and often require immediate medical attention.
Local resident Michelle Harper shared a close call involving her son, Marcus, who was knocked off his e-bike by a car last year. Thankfully, he escaped injury, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on the roads. “So many people are in too much of a rush, and we’ve lost our common courtesy on the roads,” Harper stated.
Superintendent Lawler stressed the importance of wearing protective gear, especially helmets, to mitigate the risk of serious injury. “E-scooters and e-bikes are much faster than a normal pushbike or scooter,” she cautioned. Riders must stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings, including vehicles and pedestrians, to avoid accidents.
Authorities remind the public that it is legal to ride permitted e-bikes as long as the same road rules for bicycle riders are followed. This includes the mandatory wearing of helmets and yielding to pedestrians on shared paths. However, riding e-scooters is still illegal outside of designated private properties in NSW, with penalties imposed on those who violate these rules.
As incidents continue to rise, officials urge anyone witnessing an accident to call triple zero immediately. The potential for severe injury in e-bike and e-scooter accidents remains high, making awareness and safety practices crucial for all road users.
The situation is developing, and residents across NSW are advised to stay informed about safety regulations and exercise caution on the roads. As the popularity of e-bikes grows, so does the responsibility of riders and drivers alike to ensure a safer environment for everyone.
