OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT
OAKESHOTT SEEKS E-BIKE RULING FROM POLICE
Independent MP for Port Macquarie, Robert Oakeshott, today asked for clarification by the police on their interpretation of the law in regard e-bikes, or motor assisted pedal cycles, which are very popular overseas, and becoming increasingly popular in NSW.
"E-Bikes are coming into NSW in larger and larger numbers, and they are now being seen on our roads on the Mid-North Coast, Mr Oakeshott said.
"The law, as it stands, is that no license or registration is required for a motor-assisted pedal cycle up to 200 watt power output, however, I am increasingly concerned about the differing interpretations of these laws, said Mr Oakeshott.
"I am being told that a rider in Cessnock was pulled over by police and told she was only legal if her feet were pedalling, a rider in Bowral was issued with an infringement notice for riding a toy scooter, and a rider in Sutherland was recently successfully in being awarded $4200 in damages following a fine for riding one of these e-bikes, said Mr Oakeshott.
"I am also hearing more and more reports that police are threatening riders with 'final warnings', including a rider in Swansea who is now on their ninth warning, Mr Oakeshott said.
"Countries such as Canada and Switzerland actually provide incentives to purchase and use e-bikes, however there seems to be a reluctance to encourage increased use of these bikes throughout our region and throughout NSW and Australia.
"If we are to encourage the introduction of e-bikes onto our roads, I want to be confident in the support of the police in following the law as it reads, and for them to have the same interpretation of the law as those who are both selling and using these bikes. Otherwise, we have a problem and obvious conflict on our roads, said Mr Oakeshott.
11 May 2007