One in four Western Australians say they'd be more likely to use an e-bike or e-scooter if there were clearer rules around their use, according to a new RAC survey.
More than 5,000 road users took part in the survey, which gauged how people feel about increasing numbers of legal e-rideables on our roads and shared paths.
RAC Head of Communications Rhys Heron said around 15 per cent of respondents use e-rideables regularly, but plenty more were considering it.
"E-rideables are affordable, relatively easy to use, and are low emissions, which is why they'll play an important role in WA’s future transport mix in years to come," Mr Heron said.
"However there has been a concerning increase in serious incidents involving e-rideables as they've started to become more common in the community."
"There's still a critical need for interventions to improve safety and confidence for all road and path users."
The survey found more than 60 per cent of those who already own an e-rideable support their wider uptake in WA, compared to just 25 per cent for those who don’t.
But there was some agreement between users and non-users, with the majority of both groups supporting most changes proposed by WA's recent e-rideables Parliamentary Inquiry, including clearer rules, national device standards and better rider education.
Almost half of those already using e-scooters and e-bikes also said they'd like to see dedicated lanes to separate them from vehicles and pedestrians.
"E-rideables provide another option for people to get around, along with improving accessibility for people who don’t have a car, or a driver’s licence, and those on lower incomes," Mr Heron said.
The e-rideables Parliamentary Inquiry made 33 recommendations, with the WA Government providing support or in-principle support for all but one.
“We called for and support a crackdown on illegal devices, restrictions on who can import and modify devices, and improved data collection and reporting, which we agree should be a nationally coordinated approach,” Mr Heron said.
"We look forward to seeing the recommendations of the inquiry implemented as soon as possible.”
"It’s crucial we see the delivery of more high-quality infrastructure, alongside improvements to make it easier for cyclists to get around our state."
“We’re also calling on the State Government to outline a clear timeline for the release of the long-awaited WA Active Travel Strategy.”
RAC welcomes a recent announcement by the Commonwealth Government that new nationally consistent safety standards will be developed to govern the sale of e-rideables in Australia.
