E-bike sharing surges in australian cities as e-scooter safety concerns drive users away

Australia’s urban mobility landscape is experiencing a significant shift as rental e-bike programs flourish while e-scooter sharing services face mounting challenges. The change comes amid what industry observers describe as a “moral panic” over e-scooter safety that has led to increased regulations and reduced adoption across the country.

Sydney has emerged as the leader in this e-bike revolution, with rental fleets nearly doubling throughout 2025. US-based mobility company Lime has been a major driver of this expansion, deploying thousands of additional e-bikes on Sydney’s streets to meet growing demand. The surge represents a stark contrast to the trajectory of e-scooter programs, which initially launched with enthusiasm but have since stalled due to safety concerns and regulatory crackdowns.

The shift toward e-bikes reflects changing attitudes about urban transportation options and their environmental impact. E-bikes offer many of the same benefits as e-scooters—including reduced carbon emissions compared to cars and convenient last-mile transportation solutions—while addressing some of the stability and safety concerns that have plagued scooter programs. This trend suggests that Australians are increasingly embracing sustainable mobility options, but with a preference for vehicles they perceive as safer and more reliable.

The diverging fortunes of these two micro-mobility options highlight the importance of public acceptance and regulatory support in determining which sustainable transportation alternatives will succeed in Australia’s major cities. As urban centers continue seeking solutions to reduce traffic congestion and emissions, the e-bike boom may signal a path forward for environmentally friendly transportation that balances sustainability goals with public safety concerns.