Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed the NSW Liberals and Nationals' renewed call for an Australian first e-bike licence plate scheme, saying growing concerns across the Port Macquarie electorate highlight the need for stronger action to improve safety and accountability.
Mr Dwyer said local residents continue to raise concerns about dangerous e-bike behaviour on roads, shared pathways and in public spaces, particularly involving young riders travelling at high speeds. By introducing a licence system it will also give police an opportunity to identify riders acting illegally.
"The sharp increase in e-bike injuries should be a wake up call for the NSW Government," Mr Dwyer said.
"Across the Port Macquarie electorate, I've heard from residents who are concerned about unsafe riding, near misses and a lack of accountability when riders are doing the wrong thing."
New data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows e-bike rider hospitalisations in NSW have increased from 125 in 2009-10 to 604 in 2024-25, with the largest increases occurring among young people and young males.
Mr Dwyer said the figures reinforce the need for practical measures that improve rider behaviour and support enforcement efforts.
"This is not about stopping people from using e-bikes. E-bikes are a valuable transport option and can play an important role in helping people get around their communities," he said.
"But we also have a responsibility to ensure they are being used safely and responsibly, particularly by younger riders."
Under the NSW Liberals and Nationals' proposal, licence plates would be required for riders under 18 years of age, commercial delivery riders and shared e-bike operators, while privately-owned e-bikes used by adults would be exempt.
Mr Dwyer said the proposal strikes an appropriate balance between encouraging active transport and improving safety outcomes.
"Accountability is an important part of changing behaviour. If we can improve accountability, we can help reduce injuries and make our roads and shared pathways safer for everyone," he said.
"I urge the Minns Labor Government to seriously consider these proposals and work with local communities where concerns about e-bike safety continue to grow."
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