Ebikes Overtake E-scooters in Australia Amid Safety Crackdown

Rental ebikes are rapidly gaining popularity across Australia, as e-scooter hire services experience a decline attributed to safety concerns and a perceived "moral panic." In Sydney, the number of shared ebikes on streets nearly doubled in 2025, with operator Lime significantly increasing its fleet. This surge contrasts with the struggles of e-scooters, which were once faster to gain traction in most Australian capital cities.

Operations for e-scooters have been curtailed throughout 2025 due to safety issues and public dissatisfaction. Major providers like Neuron and Beam collectively reduced their e-scooter fleets by approximately ten percent, operating around 12,500 across 24 locations. Specific cities, such as Perth and Bendigo, saw substantial reductions in e-scooter numbers following tragic incidents and unmet usage expectations.

Industry experts suggest that a "moral panic" has led some local governments to overreact, causing e-scooter bans or significant restrictions. However, there is hope for the e-scooter's return in 2026, with several state governments reviewing regulations. In the interim, cities like Melbourne have seen residents transition to ebikes, with operators adapting to meet user demand more effectively.