E-Scooters Set for Legalisation in NSW as Sydney’s E-Bikes Face New Rules

 

If you’re an NSW resident, you’re probably aware of the rising use of e-bikes and e-scooters for transport, especially by the youth. While some consider the use of these souped-up bikes on the roads and pavements a menace, most people agree that e-scooters and e-bikes are a relatively eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for transport and should be encouraged. The NSW government is also set to legalise e-scooters, affecting how driving lessons and driving instructor courses approach road awareness and safety. Whether you’re already teaching students or an aspiring instructor enrolled in a relevant course like TLI41222, staying updated about changes in road rules and other road developments is essential. Here’s a rundown of what changes will take effect, what driving instructors and learners need to know, and how they affect driving instructor courses and driving lessons.

E-Scooters Are Going Legal in NSW: Here's the Lowdown

E-scooters are set to soon become legal in NSW for riders aged 16 and above, but with certain conditions. They will be permitted on shared paths and roads with speed limits under 50 km/h. Let’s take a look at these conditions in brief:

• All e-scooter riders must wear helmets compulsorily. 
• When riding on roads, keep the speed limited to 20km/h.
• Similarly, when riding on shared paths, speed must be between 10-20 km/h.

With this legislation, e-scooters will become a common feature in urban traffic in NSW. For instructors and aspiring students completing a Driving Instructor Course in Sydney or other parts of NSW, this update changes a lot of things. They will have to update their teaching styles during lessons to consider the new driving behaviours and hazards that come with the introduction of e-scooters on the roads.

Shared Paths: Respecting Pedestrians

The new rule mentions an important law for using shared paths. E-scooter riders must now remember to give way to pedestrians on shared paths. This is something even drivers must keep in mind if they have to drive near shared zones like parks, footpaths, etc, where e-scooters and pedestrians will also be present. Driving instructors or those getting training under courses like the TLI41222 Driving Instructor Course must start encouraging their students to include this habit in their driving behaviour. 

What About E-Bikes?

With e-scooters getting new rules, e-bike rules get more clarity. While e-bikes won’t have new speed limits, the government will clarify some rules, like keeping the e-bikes pedal-assisted and other regulations regarding illegal modifications. It will also set new safety standards to reduce battery fire risks. From the point of view of a trainer or someone enrolled in a Driving Instructor Course Melbourne or Driving Instructor Course Canberra, knowing these specifications will help them understand how these vehicles might behave on the road. They must teach their students to anticipate and respond to the movements of e-bike riders, like how they’ll drive and whether they’ll appear suddenly in bike lanes, etc. 

Why These Changes Matter for Driving Instructors

While these changes may not seem like a big thing, they’re a step in the direction of safer, more sustainable road use. The main purpose of these changes by the government includes:

• Reducing car trips
• Encouraging alternative transport
• Promoting responsible riding and driving

However, for instructors and learners, this simply means more road users to anticipate and adapt to. They must ensure that their learners know how to identify, anticipate, and safely respond to these e-bikes. For established trainers or aspiring instructors, this is the best time to review their lesson structure and teaching styles.

How to Add E-Scooter Awareness into Your Lessons

Let us explore some ways to adjust your teaching style to include awareness regarding e-scooters and e-bikes in driving lessons:

• Mirror and shoulder checks: E-scooters and biles can appear quickly, suddenly, and silently. So, ensure your students remain aware and vigilant, especially before taking a turn or opening doors.
• Speed awareness: New rules allow scooters to drive up to 50km/h, limiting them to these zones. So, instructors should teach their students to stay alert when driving in these zones.
• Overtaking safely: Teach your students different ways to pass scooters and bikes without crowding them.
• Parking and shared zones: Teach students to stay alert around footpaths, shopping centres, and parks where scooter riders may emerge unexpectedly.

Support from the Government

The NSW government isn’t leaving it all to riders and drivers. They’re backing the e-scooter rollout with:

• Public education campaigns
• Infrastructure upgrades
• Data collection on micromobility usage and risks

This means better signage, clearer rules, and ultimately, safer conditions for all. Driving instructors should tap into these resources to support both their professional development and their students’ learning.

Final Thoughts

If you're already teaching or working toward your qualification through the Driving Instructor Course TLI41222, this is the kind of real-world update that keeps your lessons relevant and your students confident. E-scooters and e-bikes are here to stay, and as trainers, it’s our job to prepare drivers to share the road, not fear it.

If you’re an aspiring trainer interested in learning the best ways to teach new drivers, check out our wide range of accredited and non-accredited driving instructor courses at the Academy of Road Safety. We utilise industry-leading trainers who all have a minimum qualification of Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Join us today and take the first step to becoming an expert Driving Instructor through our excellent and quality-guaranteed training.

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