Call for Stronger E-Scooter Insurance Regulations in NSW

The rapid increase in e-scooter usage across New South Wales has prompted renewed calls for improved insurance regulations to safeguard both riders and pedestrians.

Genevieve Henderson, president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance NSW, is advocating for mandatory insurance policies that would cover private e-scooter owners and council-managed e-scooter sharing programs.

Henderson emphasizes the necessity for owners to obtain adequate coverage, including third-party liability, and insists that insurance should be a cornerstone of any public or private e-scooter initiative. "Current laws do not align with the significant usage of e-mobility devices," she warns.

The urgency becomes more pressing as more private e-scooters appear on public roads and walkways. "This development is already unfolding, with reports of both e-scooters and strong e-bikes causing harm to pedestrians in various public areas," Henderson states.

During a recent NSW parliamentary inquiry, Henderson highlighted the financial vulnerabilities faced by those involved in e-scooter incidents. "Many users may be unaware of the financial risks—they could face severe financial fallout, jeopardizing their assets, including their homes, if involved in harming others while using these devices," she pointed out.

Victims, too, find themselves in precarious situations. "Pedestrians struck by an e-mobility device suffer the brunt of injuries and the subsequent costs without adequate compensation if the responsible party lacks insurance," Henderson adds. "Innocent victims should not bear the financial burden due to the negligence of uninsured e-mobility users."

Henderson's appeal underscores the necessity for legislative adaptations to keep pace with evolving modes of transport. The original report from Australian Lawyers highlights that without the required reforms, both individual users and the public face increasing risks. The call is for immediate action to bolster protection and ensure a balanced approach to integrating e-scooters responsibly into urban mobility.

Published:Thursday, 7th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

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Call for Stronger E-Scooter Insurance Regulations in NSW