I am pleased that Councillors voted unanimously on 22 April 2026 for my motion that acknowledges community concern about non-compliant and modified private e-bikes, e-scooters and e-moto bikes, unsafe riding behaviour and the need for effective deterrence and enforcement and unsafe battery charging and storage.

Accordingly, Port Phillip will write to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Consumer Affairs Victoria  (CAV) and Victoria Police, for coordinated action to address:

1. device safety standards, point-of-sale compliance (including online sales) and post-sale modifications
2. battery/charger safety standards, labelling and safer charging guidance, and
3. enforcement and education on existing road rules including helmet use, footpath riding, speeding and impairment offences.

Learning from reforms in other states

Other Australian states have already demonstrated the importance of strong, proactive regulation when emerging technologies create new safety risks.

In New South Wales, the government has moved to strengthen enforcement powers and compliance requirements for personal mobility devices, including clearer penalties, police powers and responsibilities for riders, retailers and manufacturers. These reforms have been accompanied by public education campaigns aimed at improving rider behaviour and reducing serious injuries.

Queensland has likewise introduced a more robust regulatory framework, tightening definitions around what constitutes a lawful e‑bike or e‑scooter, strengthening compliance obligations at the point of sale and increasing penalties for illegal modifications and unsafe riding. Queensland authorities have explicitly linked these reforms to rising injury rates and battery‑related fire incidents.

Tasmania, while smaller, has taken an enforcement‑focused approach, combining tighter restrictions on device modifications with increased scrutiny of electrical safety, particularly around lithium‑ion batteries. Tasmanian regulators have emphasised the shared responsibility of manufacturers, importers, sellers and riders in preventing harm.

These jurisdictions show that clear standards, retailer accountability, strong enforcement and public education can—and must—work together. Victoria has an opportunity to draw on these lessons to ensure regulation keeps pace with the rapidly growing use of e‑bikes and e‑scooters, particularly in dense urban environments like Port Phillip.

Safety first for our community

Micromobility has an important role to play in reducing car dependence and supporting healthier, more sustainable transport. But that promise will only be realised if safety is prioritised—on our roads, footpaths, and in our homes where batteries are charged and stored.

This unanimous vote sends a strong message: our community expects action, cooperation across agencies and regulation that reflects real‑world risks. Port Phillip is ready to work constructively with state authorities to make sure innovation does not come at the expense of public safety.