Shell Cove e-bike damage. Photo: Supplied.
E-bikes and e-scooters are sparking growing concern in Shellharbour, with residents reporting damaged public spaces, near collisions with pedestrians, and aggression towards the public as authorities work to catch legislation up to technology.
A recent incident has also highlighted their impact on Shellharbour’s tourism.
While councils and government are working towards new measures, recent incidents in Shellharbour are demonstrating a gap in enforcement for the high-powered, unregistered, battery-operated personal vehicles.
A NSW parliamentary inquiry into e-bikes and e-scooters has identified the main cause of the conflict is a lag between technology and legislation, with the inquiry recommending a swathe of changes, from driver education for under 16s to tighter regulations.
A Facebook group comment this week from holidaymakers staying in Shellharbour Village highlighted that, without the changes, the problem could also come at a cost to the economy.
“I very much admire the beauty of the village area and especially the sea baths and activities there of a morning,” the post read.
However, it said that alongside noisy cars and dirt bikes operating until 1 am every night, there were also “gangs of teenagers terrorising the streets, from late afternoon (schools out) and well after dark, riding around on small electric bikes, two to a bike, doing incredible speeds, on footpaths … yelling and screaming out”.
“If a pedestrian was hit by one of these bloody bikes, they would be seriously injured or worse,” it read.
“It’s a sad blight on a beautiful area.
“Certainly makes me think I wouldn’t stay here again, spending my hard earned holiday money elsewhere.”
Another recent incident resulted in a lawn area adjacent to the Shellharbour Marina boardwalk being extensively damaged, with multiple wheel tracks and “burn-out” style grooves in the grass, reducing the surface to mud.
Kiama resident Peter Smith and his wife observed the damage and had a negative interaction with a group of young males with large, fat-tyre e-bikes and at least one e-scooter.
Mr Smith, who has experience supporting a Queensland road safety charity to educate pre-P-plate drivers, said the public safety concerns were the riders operating in pedestrian areas at unsafe speeds, exhibiting aggressive behaviour towards the public and showing no awareness or respect for road and path rules.
“Young teen and pre-teen boys are wired to push boundaries,” he said.
“Combine that with peer pressure and a fast, powerful bike, and you’ve got more freedom than their judgement is ready to handle.
“It’s not about blaming kids. It’s about recognising that teenage brains are still developing — and giving them high-powered, unregulated bikes puts them in situations they’re not equipped to navigate safely.
“Young teens naturally want to impress their mates. On a fast e-bike, that drive can easily override safety — even if they don’t mean any harm.”
Given the damage to public property, safety risks to pedestrians, and the pattern of behaviour observed, he would like to see increased patrols by police in high-use pedestrian areas on weekends.
He would also like to see signage and enforcement measures prohibiting e-bikes and e-scooters in designated pedestrian zones, and engagement with schools and community groups to raise awareness about responsible e-bike use and the consequences of misuse.
Since January 2024, Shellharbour City Council has received 109 requests regarding e-bikes and e-scooters, with a slight increase in customer service requests as popularity of the devices increases.
Key issues raised include fast travelling bikes on footpaths and conflicts between riders and other users of these spaces; users not wearing helmets or multiple people using these devices and only one person wearing a helmet; individuals using these devices on roads; and individuals bringing their devices into shops due to fear of theft.
According to Shellharbour crash data between 2019 and 2023, there have been four e-scooter crashes with two being categorised as serious injuries and two as moderate injuries. There were 19 pedal cycle (all bicycle types) crashes.
As part of the Local Government Road Safety Program, council will fund an education program called “E-bike, E-Scooter Safety”.
Council has also written to Minister for Transport, Arts, Music and Night-time Economy John Graham, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison and Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson.
“I would encourage everyone, including parents, to keep safety front of mind,” Mayor Chris Homer said.
“It’s important that children and adults alike are aware of their surroundings and take care in shared spaces.
“E-devices are here to stay, so prevention and education are the best ways we can reduce the risk of accidents.”
However, the problem isn’t confined to Shellharbour.
Throughout the past 12 months, NSW Police has undertaken operations across the state to educate users about the dangers of riding illegal and modified e-bikes.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said specific e-bike enforcement operations were conducted in addition to regular patrols, which included enforcement and a focus on educating riders about the difference between legal and illegal e-bikes.
“Legal e-bikes are powered with rechargeable batteries, and the electric motor assists while pedalling up hills. To be compliant, the rider must primarily propel the bike with the pedals,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.
He urged parents to make an informed decision if they were considering buying an e-bike for their child.
