Bike share
Image: credit Lime
Waverley's People, Movement and Places transport vision actively encourages and prioritises residents making trips walking, cycling and by public transport. Not only does this assist the environment but reduces traffic and thus benefits those who are reliant on vehicle transport.
E-bikes and share bikes (which typically are e-bikes) have become a popular and environmentally friendly way for people to get around the neighbourhood. There are two types of e-bikes permitted in NSW:
- Power-assisted pedal cycles
- Electrically power-assisted cycles
The bikes still rely on the rider to pedal but assist the rider at times e.g. to go up a hill. Petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads. For more information about types of e-bikes and associated regulations, see NSW Transport.
Bike share
Share bikes are a service where bicycles are made available to individuals on a short-term basis for a small cost. Share bikes must be unlocked, usually via an app, to be used.
Share bikes are either docked or dockless services. All share bikes in Waverley are dockless.
Council works with three e-bike share providers who service the area:
- Lime (green bikes) 1800 861 305 support-au@li.me
- HelloBike (blue bikes) 9423 0886 serviceos@hellobike.com
- Ario (white bikes) 1800 882 764 support@ario.ai
Dockless share bikes in Waverley
Dockless bike share is when the share bikes are free-floating and do not need to be returned to a certain location or docking infrastructure. They can be ridden anywhere a normal bike can be ridden but parking can be limited to within designated areas that are specified in the operator’s app.
Waverley Council does not own, operate or manage bike sharing services in the LGA. Private companies who choose to set up bike sharing services do not require our approval. All regulations that apply to these services are managed by the NSW Government. However, Council maintains ongoing communications with bike share providers to mitigate any issues for residents and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Legislation for share bikes
Any legislation with respect to share bicycles is determined by the NSW Government. As yet there is no legislation regarding the establishment of a bicycle share company in NSW, however the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 does apply.
What is or is not unattended property can be difficult to determine, has privacy and property right implications, and requires considerable resources. Councils are limited in their ability to actively monitor and address what may be perceived as unattended bike share bicycles. Councils continue to work with the NSW Government to improve bike sharing systems, including through the 2024 Legislative “Inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes, and related mobility options.” Council’s submission to the inquiry can be viewed here.
The Office of Local Government has provided Councils with guidelines on three classes of items that may be considered unattended. Share bikes falls under Class 2, Shared Services. Bike share operators should refer to the resources on unattended property, especially the associated Code of Practice if considering operations in Waverley. The rules for sharing services are summarised in the image below.
Credit - NSW Office of Local Government. Click to enlarge.
FAQs
The same road rules apply with electric bikes as regular bikes. You can ride on any road in the Waverley LGA, a separated bike path, or shared path. See Transport for NSW for full road rules.
Most e-bikes will reduce assisted power after 6km/h and cut it off completely when the bicycle reaches 25km/h (more information). This does not prevent the rider travelling faster with their own pedalling or going downhill. Standard speed limits still apply, including in shared zones – refer Transport for NSW.
You are required to wear a helmet at all times when on a bike, e-bike or share bike and could be fined by NSW Police if you fail to do so. More information.
Helmets are provided with the share bikes. If the share bike doesn’t have a helmet, report it to the operator.
All bicycle helmets must meet the Australian and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 2063:2020) for safety and come fitted with warning and safety information stickers. More info.
There are no age restrictions on using an e-bike. Children up to the age of 16 are permitted to ride a bike on the footpath, as are any adults accompanying or transporting them.
To access a share bike, the operators require users to comply with their terms and conditions which may include an age limit for use set by the operators.
Fat e-bikes are fitted with supersized tyres and have an electrically powered motor. These are largely designed to run on rough terrain, though they may be used like regular e-bikes as long as they adhere to the legal requirements (more information). Any petrol-powered fat bikes are illegal on NSW roads.
Park the share bike in an upright position on the kerbside leaving at least 1.5 metres from any building and clear of busy footpaths. Consider passengers exiting cars and keep the edge of the road clear to allow access to and from the road, including space to open car doors.
Footpaths in Waverley tend to get very busy, and priority must always be given to pedestrians. Leave ample space for the more vulnerable members of our community, including the mobility and vision impaired.
Most bike share operators include ‘no parking areas’ in their app. If you do park in a non-parking area, you may be charged a penalty by the bike share operator and their staff will need to relocate the bike.
Most operators also include parking spots within high use areas, in their app. Their apps may include incentives to park in these locations or disincentives if you park in other locations.
Council is exploring the potential use of decals to provide a visual representation for designated share bike parking spots.
If you see a share bike parked illegally, dangerously or left unattended for over a week, contact the operator (details included at the top of this page).
If the problem is not fixed or you do not receive a response, Lodge a Request with Council. Note the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2023 requires the operator to be given a chance to resolve the matter first.
Share bikes are parked by a user or deployed by a provider.
Deployment: Typically, share bike companies will neatly place their bikes on the footpath in an unobtrusive location at an angle to the kerb, often in a group. The bike companies have determined their locations for deployment. Waverley Council is investigating the formalisation of share bike hubs in high use areas.
User parking: It is legal to park a share bike on the footpath if it is not causing an obstruction. Share bike companies may have additional guidance and restrictions on parking by either identifying preferred parking locations in busy areas or not permitting parking in specific locations that are dangerous.
Need assistance?
Lodge a request. If you’d prefer to speak to someone or visit a Customer Service Centre, contact us.