The City of Onkaparinga has unanimously resolved to advocate for stronger state regulation of electric bikes and personal mobility devices (PMDs), following growing community concern about safety on the Esplanade and shared pathways across the region.

At the 17 February council meeting, elected members supported a motion from Cr Gretel Wilkes acknowledging concerns raised by residents and shared-path users about safety risks associated with both compliant and non-compliant devices operating in pedestrian-focused environments.

The council will now formally write to the state government, SAPOL and the Local Government Association of South Australia seeking stronger regulatory controls and clearer enforcement mechanisms.

Mayor Moira Were says the council’s position is about improving safety while recognising the growing role of e-mobility in the transport mix.

“We recognise that e-bikes and personal mobility devices are becoming more common and can play a positive role in active and sustainable transport,” she says.

“However, we’re hearing increasing concerns from residents about excessive speeds, near misses and the presence of high-powered devices in areas heavily used by children, older people and people with disability.

“Our advocacy is focused on ensuring the regulatory framework keeps pace with technology and prioritises community safety.”

The council is asking for:

• Stronger regulatory controls for e-bikes, and PMDs capable of travelling above 10km/ in pedestrian environments.
• Enforceable speed management mechanisms.
• Consideration of device identification and/or registration requirements
• clearer regulatory definitions and stronger importation controls to prevent illegal high-powered devices entering the market.
• Advice on current enforcement strategies and their practical limitations.
• Consideration of enhanced enforcement tools, including portable motor testing technology used in other jurisdictions.

The council has expressed concern that the current framework permits PMD use in pedestrian-heavy environments while not requiring rider licensing, registration or mandatory device identification, which can limit effective enforcement.

In addition to formal advocacy, the council will:

• Initiate a community conversation involving experts, relevant agencies and user groups.
• Consider installing signage on high-risk shared paths.
• Seek to contribute to any current or future state-wide review of PMD and e-bike regulations.
• Produce a further report outlining the legislative changes that permitted PMDs on footpaths and shared paths, enabling it to consider whether to oppose aspects of the framework in high-use and high-risk locations.

Mayor Were says the motion reflects a balanced and proactive approach.

“This is about starting a constructive conversation and working with the state government and enforcement agencies to ensure shared paths remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”