Number of e-bikes and e-scooters imported rises to 47,000 amid infrastructure worries

Saturday, 10 August 2019

E-bike sales are charging ahead, and are proving particularly popular among older riders (Video first published in 2018).

Kiwis have taken to electric bikes and scooters like 'fish to water' but better infrastructure to support their use is needed, a micro-mobility expert says.

Figures from Statistics NZ show that more than 47,000 e-bikes and e-scooters were imported into New Zealand in 2018.

This is up from 23,326 the year before and just 1332 in 2008.

Micro-mobility expert Oliver Bruce said the number of people using e-bikes and e-scooters is expected to continue growing but infrastructure and regulations were needed to make it safe.

* E-scooters here to stay in NZ cities, but new rules needed**

In May, university professor Anthony Hickey was left with a brain injury after a head-on crash with an e-bike on the 'lawless' northwestern cycleway.

He called for e-bikes to be regulated and new speed limits for the bikes.

Ministry of Transport manager of mobility and safety Brent Johnston said it was working on an 'accessible street' regulatory package, including looking at speed limits.

Figures from Statistics NZ show that more than 47,000 e-bikes and e-scooters were imported into New Zealand in 2018.

'As part of this work we are exploring how traditional and emerging mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters could be safely used on cycle-ways, footpaths and roads,' Johnston said.

Bruce said Auckland was doing a 'good job' in terms of infrastructure but plans were three years behind.

Kiwis had taken to micro-mobility like 'fish to water' and the important infrastructure which had been 'neglected' by Auckland Transport and The New Zealand Transport Agency was needed, he said.

All major arterial routes needed separated cycleways if officials were serious about safety and reducing congestion, Bruce said.

People couldn't be expected to get on bikes and 'take their lives into their own hands'.

The infrastructure needs to be built so people will feel safe to use it, he said.

Auckland Transport spokesman John Nottage said 41,000 Aucklanders own an e-bike.

Micro-mobility expert Oliver Bruce said Auckland was doing a 'good job' in terms on infrastructure but plans were three years behind.

The vast majority of riders are older as the price of e-bikes is a barrier, Bruce said.

Prices range from about $2000 up to $10,000.

Nottage said AT already has 325 kilometres of cycle lanes and shared paths across the city 'with more coming shortly'.

'Franklin Rd was completed last month with new separated cycle lanes, and [the] Karangahape Rd enhancement project [which will] also have separated cycle lanes started construction last month.'

Nottage said AT was not focusing infrastructure on e-bikes and e-scooters specifically - it was for all users.

It had recently widened the shared path across the Ōrākei Basin and was investigating a section of the northwestern path that needs widening.

Urban mobility programme manager for NZTA Kathryn King said micro-mobility was growing at a 'phenomenal' rate and it is clear that people are looking at more convenient ways of getting around.

'Research from the University of Auckland shows that e-bikes have the potential to replace car journeys and enable people to ride bicycles for a wider range of trips than a regular bicycle,' King said.

'It also shows there is a greater diversity of people riding e-bikes.

'Micro-mobility therefore plays a significant role in the future of travel in our cities and we're actively looking at how we can support people to travel on e-bikes and e-scooters.'

King said NZTA was looking into how it could support micro-mobility, provide guidance and set appropriate standards for its use.

The number of people using e-bikes and e-scooters is expected to continue growing

Bike Barn and Bikes International chief executive Craig Robertson said e-bike sales are a healthy part of the business and sales are increasing every year.

However, in terms of total sales, e-bike sales still make up a small portion of bikes sold in the Kiwi market.

The Ministry of Transport expected its accessible streets package to be opened for public consultation later in the year.

'We encourage individuals and organisations to provide feedback as the ministry consults on proposed rules in the next few months,' Johnston said.

'It is likely that any changes will be in place by the middle of 2020.'