On 4 February 2026, while riding my electric-assisted scooter in Ashfield, a driver mounted the footpath and attempted to strike me. In a panic, I ran 121 metres to the nearest police station. Even though Highway Patrol officers were present and could see the van that threatened my safety, they refused to investigate. Why? Because in New South Wales, personal mobility devices (PMDs), such as electric scooters, are still classified as illegal motorcycles. This absurd classification renders victims like me without legal protection and turns a blind eye to the need for modern, inclusive laws.

Currently, outdated legislation lumps electric scooters together with motorcycles, overlooking the need for nuanced regulation specific to PMDs. This oversight not only creates enforcement challenges but also discourages the use of environmentally sustainable transportation options, which PMDs undeniably represent. While countries around the globe, and even states within Australia, are embracing PMDs, NSW lags behind.

Modernising NSW laws would mean recognizing PMDs for what they are — innovative, electric-assisted devices designed for urban mobility. Such a shift would allow for the introduction of safety standards and operational guidelines specific to PMDs, similar to those successfully adopted in Queensland and Victoria. It would ensure that individuals like myself can utilize these devices without fear of legal deterrents or safety risks posed by uninformed and outdated perceptions.

We need to acknowledge the growing prevalence of PMDs and legislate for their safe use on our roads and footpaths. Updating legal classifications and creating regulations specific to PMDs is not just a matter of convenience, but a necessity for ensuring rider safety, reducing vehicular emissions, and keeping pace with technological advancements.

Join me in urging the NSW government to re-examine and modernize its stance on PMDs. By signing this petition, you can help drive the change needed to foster a safer, more sustainable future for personal transportation in New South Wales. Let us stand together to appeal to lawmakers to enact realistic and responsive legislation that reflects the current landscape of mobility. Please sign and share this petition to make a difference.

What We’re Asking For:

We are calling on the NSW Government to modernise PMD laws by adopting a simple, safe, globally aligned 3‑speed system:

1. Footpath Mode — 6 km/h (Walking Speed)
•     Safe around pedestrians
•     Allows parents to supervise children
•     Removes the “scooters speeding on footpaths” fear
•     Matches international best practice

2. Path Mode — 25 km/h
•     For shared paths and cycleways
•     Matches bicycle and e‑bike speeds
•     Already proven safe in other Australian states

3. Road Mode — 40 km/h
•     For local roads (≤ 60 km/h) and bike lanes
•     Matches traffic flow
•     Reduces overtaking conflicts —Minimise cause of crashes
•     Safer for riders and drivers

No wattage limits
Power does not cause crashes — speed and environment do.
A 1500W scooter on a footpath is still limited to walking pace.
A 250W scooter on a road must still obey 40 km/h.
This is simple, enforceable, and safe.

How Enforcement Works
This model is rider‑responsibility based:
•     No mandatory geofencing
•     No mandatory governors
•     No technical restrictions
•     No extra costs
•     No registration
•     No licensing

Police enforce breaches using:
•     Their existing equipment
•     Speed detection tools
•     Observations
•     Standard traffic law processes

Simple. Fair. Enforceable.