Tuesday, 29 July 2025

North-Eastern Metropolitan Region

Nick McGOWAN (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (14:31): (1674) My question is for Gabrielle Williams, the minister for transport in the other place, and it is in respect to the government’s proposed ban on e-bikes on Victorian trains. The question is born from an approach from local constituents, including Michael Hassett, who is the secretary of the Metro East Bicycle User Group. They have voiced their concern not only to the minister but to me, and they have urged this government not to proceed with a ban on e-bikes. They have done that because, as stated in a quote from their letter:

It lacks credible data indicating the relative prevalence of low quality / susceptible battery types …

if that is in fact the concern. They have also outlined that it:

Lacks recognition that the majority of e-bike owners and users are responsible and utilise good-quality batteries.

In addition, they cite that this is an ageist policy approach and would actually discriminate against people who are unable to use traditional bikes and therefore rely upon electric bikes. They are also concerned that it will force e-bike users onto the roads, which in many areas are unsafe for them. In addition, they also believe it will cause e-bike users to revert to driving a car, which is not good for our environment.