Safety is E-ven Important
on an E-ride
SOARING POPULARITY
E-bikes and e-scooters – otherwise called “micromobility” or “light electric vehicles” – are soaring in popularity in Australia.
E-bike sales have ratcheted up from just 9,000 in 2017 to more than 100,000 in 2022, while it is estimated between 250,000 and 300,000 people own e-scooters in Australia.
Despite its smaller population size, New Zealand imported about 75,000 e-bikes and e-scooters in 2021.
RISE IN INJURIES
However, as sales of micromobility vehicles have risen, so have injuries. New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation says claims concerning e-bikes have risen five-fold in five years and put the claims at NZ$4 million.
Not wearing a helmet, lack of skills, overconfidence and larger frame and weight of e-bikes and e-scooters compared to contemporary vehicles are often cited as reasons for accidents. In many cases, alcohol or drugs are also involved. When riding an
e-scooter, it’s also important to remember that the tires are smaller and have more trouble navigating obstacles.
Experts say many older riders are getting on an e-bike or
e-scooter for the first time in decades and can have problems becoming re-accustomed to riding.
At Club Wyndham South Pacific resorts, e-bike or e-scooter riders must be over 18 years of age.
HOW DO YOU AVOID BECOMING AN
E-CASUALTY?
- Wear a helmet. You would on a bike!
- Adhere to the road rules. An e-bike or e-scooter is a vehicle, meaning you must adhere to drink driving rules and stop at red lights and stop signs (where you are required to use the road).
- Be aware of the speed limit. The speed you can travel at may depend on your location. E-bikes and e-scooters are often legally limited to a maximum of 25km/h on road or footpath.
- Ride where appropriate. Different states or countries may require you to only use e-bikes or e-scooters where bikes can be used – which may not be on footpaths.
- Take it easy. You might be familiar with riding a bike or using a scooter, but e-bikes and e-scooters have more power. Take some time to get familiar before pushing yourself!
- Adhere to alcohol limits. E-bikes and e-scooters are vehicles, and every jurisdiction will have limits to how much you can drink before riding.
- Go at a comfortable pace. Better to be left behind than injure yourself or someone else. You can always call your travel buddies to meet up later!
- Keep in mind e-bikes and e-scooters are heavier. The battery makes the vehicle heavier and possibly, harder to steer than a normal bike or scooter.
Join the e-revolution
at a club resort near you!
E-BIKES
Golden Beach • Surfers Paradise
Port Douglas • Marcoola Beach
Kirra Beach • Flynns Beach
Shoal Bay • Sydney
Melbourne • Dinner Plain
Ballarat • Torquay • Perth
Seven Mile Beach • Dunsborough
Wanaka • Denarau Island
Join the e-revolution
at a club resort near you!
E-SCOOTERS
Port Douglas • Surfers Paradise • Perth
Golden Beach • Dinner Plain • Torquay
Our e-quipment is only available to people who are 18 years old and above.
Keep safe and happy riding!
