Opened the debate
Scamps argued that e-bike technology had outpaced existing safety and import regulations, resulting in devices resembling motorbikes being used on roads and footpaths. Scamps highlighted data from St Vincent's Hospital Sydney indicating that 500 e-bike riders required critical care in New South Wales emergency departments over a two-year period starting in 2023. Scamps stated that the bill would define electric power-assisted cycles as road vehicles under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018, requiring the development of national standards aligned with international best practices such as EN15194. Scamps also proposed a new vehicle class for powerful e-bikes to address the issue of overpowered models capable of speeds exceeding 50 kilometres per hour. Scamps emphasised that the legislation aimed to protect public safety while supporting the growth of sustainable transport modes to help meet climate goals.