BREAKING: An alarming new report has revealed that delivery riders on e-bikes are speeding and flouting traffic laws in Melbourne, sparking urgent calls for stricter safety regulations. The research, published by Monash University and commissioned by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce, uncovered a significant compliance crisis, with e-bike riders reaching dangerous speeds of up to 54 km/h in busy city areas.
The study, which monitored over 27,000 vehicles, found that nearly half of those were delivery worker e-bikes. Shockingly, almost one in five riders exceeded 25 km/h, with troubling behaviors noted on high-traffic streets like Swanston St and Swan St, where instances of speeding were rampant.
Authorities are raising alarms over the safety risks posed not just to riders, but to pedestrians and other road users. Peter Jones, Chief Executive of the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce, stated, “This report confirms what riders, pedestrians, and other road users have suspected – many of these delivery e-bikes are operating as unregistered motorbikes, without the safeguards or enforcement that applies to other vehicles.”
The findings highlight a disturbing trend: most observed e-bikes were not using pedals, suggesting they may be throttle-powered or modified beyond legal requirements. “It’s almost a disguised motorbike,” Jones added. “Anything that can go that fast really isn’t an e-bike.”
The situation is dire, as collisions involving e-bikes in Victoria increased by a staggering 82 percent in just one year. Glenn Weir, Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing, reported that a striking 90 percent of e-bike crashes involved vehicles that were either overpowered or non-compliant with safety regulations.
In response to the growing crisis, Victorian police have issued nearly 300 fines for various e-bike-related offenses since June. The report’s authors are now urging the Victorian government to clarify regulations surrounding e-bikes to align with their capabilities, enforce existing road rules for non-compliant bikes, and close loopholes that allow illegal e-bikes to enter the market.
“We’ve had the sad instances of at least one death in Victoria,” Jones remarked, emphasizing that only strict enforcement of current laws can prevent further tragedies. He called on the government to “implement a level playing field,” insisting that these e-bikes must be registered, insured, and held accountable to road rules.
As concerns mount, the urgency for regulatory action has never been higher. The community is watching closely as the government contemplates steps to ensure road safety for all users. This situation continues to develop, and residents are urged to stay informed about changes that could impact their safety on the streets.
Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue as authorities work to address the rising dangers associated with commercial delivery e-bikes in Melbourne.
