Despite being illegal for public use, private e-scooters are surging in NSW, with an estimated 459,000 in use.

Trials for shared e-scooters are underway in select areas.

Planned regulations would limit e-scooters to bike paths or shared zones, with a minimum rider age of 16 and a helmet requirement.

Transport for NSW promotes e-scooters to ease public transport congestion, while Shadow Roads Minister Natalie Ward calls for registration and licensing to enforce safety, warning that unregulated use is “a tragedy waiting to happen.”

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