Sam Leong's band of brothers - PMD riders

[Hypocrite-The]

Pmd hit pedestrian...boss Sam will say its efficient mode of tpt n no licence n registration n insurance needed.

https://mothership.sg/2025/07/woman-hit-by-pmd-overhead-bridge-pasir-ris/

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Pmds to be licensed..hope the kangaroos do the same for cyclists...

Major Aussie e-bike 'licence trial' looms amid crackdown on misuse​

Updated Mon 21 July 2025 at 6:02 pm AEST
4-min read

Police regularly target e-bike misuse in Sydney. Source: Reddit
E-bikes are a hotly debated point of contention, with uptake soaring around the country as their popularity rises. Supporters argue they offer a sustainable, efficient alternative to cars, especially for younger commuters drawn to their affordability and convenience.

But critics point to concerns around speed, reckless use, and — when it comes to rideshare fleets operated by international companies like Lime, Beam, and Neuron — a lack of clear accountability in the event of accidents or misuse.

With teenagers among the most frequent users of e-bikes, New South Wales is proposing to launch a new program targeting schoolkids and aimed at promoting the safe use of e-bikes. Launched by Bicycle NSW, the Student Bicycle Licence Scheme is due to commence in some schools "around mid to late September".

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, the CEO of Bicycle NSW, Peter McLean, said the trial is all about "education and awareness". While councils may support and encourage the scheme, the decision to participate and how the program is implemented will rest with individual schools.

Some schools in Sutherland and Newcastle have already expressed interest in the trial, and there is hope that Sydney Northern Beaches schools will join as well. Further details about participating schools and the broader rollout are expected to become clearer as the trial progresses later in the year.

"[The trial] focuses on a number of the basic rules for bicycle users, but also on etiquette and respect," McLean told Yahoo. "It also includes helpful knowledge around bicycle security and equipment.

"We are beginning the trial with schools in Sutherland and Newcastle, and hopefully Northern Beaches, as well. We will hopefully test this with a few students in schools later this term and then more schools in Term 4 of this year."

A Sydneysider captured an image of almost 10 Uber-owned Lime Bikes lying in the middle of a pathway on King Street in city's CBD. Source: Reddit More

How would an e-bike licence scheme work?​

The program includes a simple online assessment designed to confirm that students understand fundamental bike safety, road rules, and appropriate riding behaviour. Those who complete it would receive a digital licence featuring council-branded recognition.

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
Schools will be allowed to decide how the scheme fits within their community, for instance, whether to require the licence for students who cycle to school.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins introduced the idea during a council meeting on July 15, citing its low cost, and adding that, "at a state level, there is currently no consistent bicycle education or awareness programs" for schools.

Councillors voted to participate in the scheme, meaning they agreed to support and promote the initiative across the local area, including working with schools to encourage uptake and reporting on participation levels.

But on Monday, Northern Beaches confirmed to Yahoo it had paused on the idea, pending a rescission motion — a formal request to revoke or reconsider a previous decision, which will be discussed at the next Council meeting on August 19.

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
But elsewhere, McLean said many regions have expressed sharp interest. "I have discussed it with councils in the Central West of NSW, for example, and they are very keen," he said. "We just want to make sure we develop the program thoroughly first before we broaden the offering to others."

Why are e-bikes controversial in Australia?​

E-bikes have surged in popularity across Australia, especially among young people who see them as a fast, convenient, and eco-friendly alternative to cars or public transport.

When used responsibly, they provide an accessible way for people to cover longer distances with less effort, encouraging more active and sustainable lifestyles.

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
Properly handled, e-bikes improve urban mobility by bridging the gap between walking, cycling, and public transport, making it easier for people to get around quickly and efficiently without relying on cars. This not only benefits individual users but also contributes positively to overall community health and the environment.

But the rise in popularity hasn’t come without controversy. Concerns around safety, speed and rule compliance are growing, especially as more inexperienced or underage riders take to the roads and footpaths. Local councils have fielded complaints about e-bikes being dumped haphazardly, ridden recklessly, or used in places where they’re not allowed.

The issue is especially complicated when the bikes are owned by international rideshare companies, which operate under different agreements in each city. In the event of an accident, accountability can become murky, leaving councils and communities to debate who should bear responsibility.

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
In Australia, e-bikes are generally legal nationwide, but each state and territory has its own specific rules around power limits, speed, age restrictions, and where they can be ridden.

Do you have a story tip? Email: [email protected].

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

 

[Hypocrite-The]

E-bike fire risk: Victorian trains may ban e-bikes and e-scooters
Save
Share
Normal text sizeLarger text sizeVery large text size
Electric scooters and e-bikes would be banned from Victorian trains in a transport department proposal to address the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.

A Metro train was evacuated in March when an e-bike burst into flames at Union Station, in Melbourne’s east, while e-bike and e-scooter batteries have also been blamed for hundreds of house fires over the past few years.

An e-bike caught on fire on a Metro train in March.
An e-bike caught on fire on a Metro train in March. CREDIT: REDDIT
On Tuesday, the Department of Transport and Planning proposed new bans on e-scooters, e-bikes and other battery-powered transport devices such as e-skateboards from Metro and V/Line trains and V/Line coaches.

“A fire on a train is a serious safety issue because it may be difficult to evacuate passengers on a crowded service or where trains are in between stations,” a summary paper of the rule changes says.

Victoria intends to ban e-bikes and e-scooters from trains due to the risk of fires.
Victoria intends to ban e-bikes and e-scooters from trains due to the risk of fires. CREDIT: REDDIT
“Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish and quickly spread toxic smoke.”

E-bikes and e-scooters were recently banned from London’s Underground because of the fire risk.

But Peter Bourke, from cycling advocacy group WeRide Australia said owners of safe, high-quality e-bikes were being punished for the state and federal government’s failure to impose safety standards on e-bike and battery imports.

“The governments have created the problem, and the problem is un-roadworthy motorbikes masquerading as e-bikes,” he said. “The quality products that meet the standards – there’s been no problem with them.”

Bourke said Australia had previously applied European safety and quality standards to e-bikes, including their batteries, but the federal government revoked that standard in 2021.

Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormick said the ban would negatively affect those who take e-bikes on trains as part of their daily commute, or use a train to access recreational bike trails around the state.

“It should be temporary while state and federal governments move towards establishing proper Australian standards for e-bikes that keep substandard e-bikes and batteries out of the country,” she said. “Proper regulation of e-bikes and batteries will fix the underlying problem.”

Foldable e-bikes and e-scooters will still be permitted on trams and buses because they can stop faster and evacuate passengers more easily in the case of a fire.

Passengers will still be able to bring non-electric bicycles onto trains, provided they do not board the first door on the first carriage, which is a priority boarding area for people with mobility aids.

The proposed new rules – which are open to public consultation and slated to come into effect on September 30 this year – do not affect mobility scooters.

Other proposed changes to the state’s Conduct on Public Transport regulations include reducing the fine for a passenger putting their feet on a seat from 1.5 penalty units (currently $305) to 0.5 units ($102), to “align the offences and penalties with the harms”.

However, passengers with m&d on their shoes could run afoul of a new “soiling furniture” offence, which would carry a $305 fine.

Authorised Officers issued 50,814 fines to passengers for putting their feet on seats in the eight years between 2017 and 2024, according to a Regulatory Impact Statement on the proposed rule changes.

The moment a battery caught fire on a Virgin flight
Rules would also be updated to require passengers to vacate a priority seating area when a wheelchair user boards their train, tram or bus via the closest door.

Currently, passengers are only required to vacate their seat if asked to do so, but the new rule “removes the onus on the wheelchair user to request access to the designated space, which can cause discomfort”.

The department said it is also considering whether to permit small children’s bicycles on trams and buses. They are banned under the current regulations, despite typically being the same size as a pram or folding bike.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.

Save
Share

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Number plates to be enforced for E-bikes

By
As one of the most controversial youth issues in recent years reaches a crisis point, the Sutherland Shire has been named as the launchpad of E-Bike Safety Australia’s (EBSA) groundbreaking school safety program, introducing visible ID tags (number plates) on student e-bikes — the first initiative of its kind in Australian history.

As concerns over the rise of high-powered and modified e-bikes continue to grow, this program offers what EBSA says is the only pragmatic solution currently available for young riders and their communities.

Combining education with accountability
By combining education with accountability, the EBSA program addresses safety, rider behaviour, and legal compliance in a practical and scalable way.

Students complete an online safety course that covers helmet use, battery safety, road rules, riding etiquette, and what to do in an emergency. Upon successful completion, each rider receives a digital licence and a visible school-specific ID tag for their bike, allowing schools and the community to identify bikes linked to trained, responsible riders.

Helping parents understand the legalities
Looking ahead, the program will also introduce a dedicated education module for parents, helping them understand the legalities of e-bike use — especially in relation to illegal modifications. There will be a strong emphasis on the risks and consequences of unlocking or deregulating e-bikes to exceed their legal 25km/h speed limit.

A spokesperson for EBSA said many parents simply aren’t aware that removing or modifying a speed limiter is illegal and can make their child’s e-bike both unsafe and non-compliant. ‘Our approach remains the same: educate first, allow a grace period for compliance, then support enforcement when necessary.’

Responding to the challenges of e-mobility
Already backed by law enforcement, road safety experts, and state MPs, the EBSA school program is setting a new standard for how Australia can respond to the challenges of e-mobility, particularly among young riders.
EBSA is inviting schools, councils, and retailers across the country to take a proactive role in promoting safety and accountability before regulation catches up.

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Calls for illegal e-bikes to be 'impounded and sent to recycling'
Thu 24 July 2025 at 12:55 pm AEST
3-min read
E-bike and e-scooter users on the roads. Source: Facebook/QLD Police
Illegal e-bike and e-scooter users have come under fire during a new inquiry in Queensland. Source: Facebook/QLD Police More
Controversial e-bikes and e-scooters are a hotly debated topic in neighbourhoods around the country, and now residents and businesses in one Aussie state are demanding a crackdown.

Queensland's RACQ went as far as to call for illegal devices to be "impounded and sent to recycling" amid a worrying uptick in injuries in the Sunshine State.

It comes as a Queensland parliamentary inquiry into e-scooter and e-bike safety heard from community members claiming that dangerous riders are terrorising local communities, and tougher enforcement and clearer regulations should be in place.

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
More than 1,200 submissions were made to the inquiry into e-transport use, which was announced in May. A public hearing on Wednesday heard evidence from a range of stakeholders, including healthcare workers, local government, local businesses and an e-bike retailer.

"For the illegal e-bikes and scooters, we want them impounded and sent off for recycling," RACQ's Dr Michael Kain said on Thursday morning on Sunrise.

A police officer speaking to an ebike user
Queensland Police issued infringement notices totalling over $700 to a Mackay dad for allegedly permitting his 15-year-old son to ride a modified e-bike earlier this year. Source: Qld Police More
What is an illegal e-bike or e-scooter?
While some electric two-wheelers are perfectly legal, and are even supported by local councils, there are others that have been modified to reach speeds beyond legal limits.

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
An e-bike with a motor that can go beyond 25km/h is considered a motorbike, and has roadworthy requirements like indicators, mirrors and proper brakes.

"They need these basic safety features to be allowed on our roads and highways," Kain said.

Police and transport officers do have the authority to stop illegal vehicles, with one Aussie dad even copping $700 in infringement notices for his son's modified e-bike earlier this year. But RACQ is calling for a crackdown and the impounding of the devices.

"Let's crack down on these illegal and unsafe vehicles that should not be on our roads, highways and on our footpaths," he said.

Horrific injuries caused by e-bikes and e-scooters
Health authorities have also warned there has been an uptick in injuries presenting to Australian emergency departments caused by the mobility devices, with 118 presentations to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital emergency department over a one-year period.

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
"We're seeing on average, two a day across emergency departments in Queensland," Kain said.

"People are coming off scooters and the amount of severe facial injuries is really high, much worse than with a push bike," he said.

For legal scooters, RACQ is calling for full-face helmets to protect Aussies from severe facial injuries.

In regard to for-hire scooters from companies like Lime, the automotive club is calling for them to be made sit-down, because "people don't want to share a full-face helmet".

Transport crackdown amid spate of battery fires
Along with Queensland's proposed crackdown, other authorities around the country are also considering various enforcement measures, including a potential ban on the devices on public transport in Victoria and NSW, following recent fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries.

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
But families in Victoria have opposed the plans, saying banning e-bikes would restrict their movement.

Members of the public have until August 18 to make their submissions with the new regulations to come into effect at the end of September.

Do you have a story tip? Email: [email protected].

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

 

[Hypocrite-The]

Boss Sam.. get hit is fine..better being a vegetable or retard is ok...if get hit by car...death is even worse.

Teen left with brain injury after e-scooter crash calls for change

Road safety experts are calling for age limits on riding e-scooters to better protect children.
At 16, Jasmine Flowers suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling off an e-scooter – an accident she admits was her own fault.

She reached a speed of 28kph while riding her friend's privately-owned device on Queensland's Sunshine Coast when the e-scooter tipped over and she fell.

"It's just black from there," she said.

"I remember being in hospital … I felt cold … it was so painful."
Jasmine, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was rushed to hospital and then flown to Brisbane where she was in a coma for several days.

A young woman lays in a hospital bed.
Jasmine Flowers was left in a coma for days following an e-scooter accident. (Supplied: Gary Flowers)
She remained in hospital for a month, and seven months later, still visits regularly for check-ups.

Her father, Gary Flowers, will never forget the moment he saw his daughter after the accident.

He recalled Jasmine covered in blood, crying, writhing in pain, shivering from the cold and vomiting from the trauma.

"It's been an emotional rollercoaster," Mr Flowers said.

A close up of a man with his arm around his daughter in a park
Jasmine Flowers wants other teenagers to know how dangerous e-scooters can be. (ABC News: Tobi Loftus)
The impact of Jasmine's head hitting the bitumen caused her brain to shift inside her skull, resulting in a bleed on the opposite side.

She was left deaf in one ear, unable to fully close her eye and temporarily paralysed in the face.

Jasmine, now 17, still lives with memory loss, brain fog, impulsivity and confusion – and acknowledges the risk she took.

"It was my fault," she admitted.


Footage released by Queensland police in March shows e-scooters being illegally ridden across Brisbane. (Supplied: Queensland Police Service)
Underage riders
Jasmine is one of thousands of young Australians who have been injured while riding e-scooters or e-bikes.

Since 2018, Queensland hospitals have recorded almost 6,300 emergency department presentations related to e-scooter crashes.

Kirsten Vallmuur 1
Professor Kirsten Vallmuur says around a third of patients say they were riding above the speed limit. (ABC News: Tobi Loftus)
According to the Jamieson Trauma Institute's Kirsten Vallmuur, nearly 1,100 of those were children under 16 and almost 500 were children under 12.

"Around a third of the patients are saying they were speeding over the 25kph speed limit," she said.

Riding without a helmet or under the influence of alcohol are two of the other key factors in e-scooter crashes not just in Queensland, but across the country.

Two people riding e-scooters along the river in Brisbane Southbank.
More than half of people hospitalised in e-scooter accidents are aged 16 to 34. (ABC News: Curtis Rodda)
However, tracking national trends is difficult and researchers have had to rely on individual data-gathering projects to obtain statistics.

"Hospital systems aren't equipped to collect that data in a responsive way," Professor Vallmuur said.

"Even though the collection of data is not systematic [nationally], the kinds of patterns that are coming out [are] quite systematic."

Different rules from state to state
Part of the problem lies in inconsistent regulation, with rules for e-scooters and e-bikes different across Australian jurisdictions.

In Queensland, private e-scooters are legal and can be ridden on footpaths, while in New South Wales, private ownership is banned.

Speed limits also differ.

Some jurisdictions allow up to 25kph while others cap them at 15kph.

Even what qualifies as a legal e-bike differs.

Some states allow throttle-assist bikes, where riders don't need to pedal. Others allow only pedal-assist models.

Narelle Haworth from Queensland's Motor Accident Insurance Commission said differing rules around the country had opened the door to non-compliant and potentially dangerous devices being imported and used.

"[There is] very little checking at the border," she said.

"There's very little need for compliance with the rules that we have here in Australia … so you can import and buy something online that is going to be illegal in the state where you live."

Australia's federal transport department told the ABC states and territories are responsible for e-scooter and e-bike regulation.

"It's clear there is considerable community concern and risk presented by the increasing number of these devices," a spokesperson said.

"That's why the Australian government is continuing to work with the states and territories to explore the risks and opportunities they, as well as personal mobility devices more broadly, present — and identify appropriate risk management strategies."

Queensland and Western Australia are both undertaking public inquiries into e-device use. New South Wales recently concluded a similar inquiry.

Queensland's hearings began last week after the inquiry received more than 1,000 public submissions.

A large group of green e-scooters parked in rows on a path with an e-bike in front.
E-scooters now line the streets of many cities across Australia. (ABC News: Curtis Rodda)
Growing calls for change
Among those calling for change is 25-year-old Townsville resident Tristan Bowen who loves to walk his guide dog Andy along the city's beachfront promenade – The Strand.

Mr Bowen, who sees only shadows due to optic nerve hypoplasia, said e-scooter and e-bike traffic had turned the 3.5m wide footpath into an obstacle course.

A man sits on the edge of a stairwell next to an e-scooter with his guide dog
Tristan Bowen relies on his guide dog Andy while walking along The Strand in Townsville. (ABC News: Baz Ruddick)
"They're so quiet, you can't hear them until they're right on top of you,"
he said.
"It's never really possible to get out of the way, so we have to rely on them to get out of [our] way."

Mr Bowen said he didn't want the devices banned, but would like tighter rules to reduce risk.

"I would like to see speed restrictions and something to make them louder, so when they go past, they're easier to hear," he said.

A man stands in all back at a waterfront with his guide dog in front of e scooters
Townsville resident Tristan Bowen is vision-impaired and hopes the devices will be altered to reduce risks for pedestrians. (ABC News: Baz Ruddick)
Professor Haworth, who also works with the Queensland University of Technology Road Safety Research Collaboration, said Australia could learn from overseas jurisdictions.

She pointed to the UK where rental e-scooter riders must have a drivers licence and people must be aged over 14 to ride pedal-assist e-bikes.

"People already know the road rules because they already have a drivers licence and it also puts in a minimum age that is probably at an appropriate level," she said.

A portrait of a woman with short hair wearing a pink shirt and blazer.
Queensland University of Technology Professor Narelle Haworth. (ABC News: Tobi Loftus)
For Jasmine, her mission now is to warn others. She speaks to her peers about the risks and wants tighter laws to protect young riders.

Her father agrees — and he's taken his campaign to politicians, calling for changes including full-face helmets, reduced speed limits and education in schools.

He also wants teenagers to complete a safety course before being allowed to ride an e-device.

A young woman and man sit on a bench with their arms around each other.
Jasmine and Gary Flowers are advocating for change to protect young riders who may not fully understand the risks. (ABC News: Tobi Loftus)
"No one should have to go through that kind of pain," Jasmine said.

"It was like a fever dream. It was the worst months of my life. I hated every single bit of it.

"Treat it the way you treat a car. Those same laws."

Get a morning news briefing in your inbox
Subscribe to our ABC NewsMail bringing you breaking news from overnight, plus a heads-up on the stories that will shape your day.
Email address
Subscribe
Your information is being handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Posted 15h ago
15 hours ago
, updated 11h ago
11 hours ago

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Apr 14, 2025, 02:09pm

Only in S'pore? Video of multiple users with big PMDs on train sparks debate​

Farah Daley
Submitted by Stomper
Anonymous
A video showing people riding their large personal mobility devices (PMDs) into an MRT train has left many netizens stunned.

The clip, posted on TikTok by user @chloeluna on April 9, shows one PMD user rolling into a train at Somerset MRT station as the doors open.

The caption on the video asks: "Wonder if it's like that in other countries too?"


The footage then shows two other significantly large PMDs inside another area of the train. The post has since garnered over 140,000 views.


"I'm so getting out of the train when I see such a thing coming," said one TikTok user.


Another asked: "What if it caught fire in the train?"

This is a concern that stems from past incidents of PMDs catching fire due to battery faults and was echoed by several other netizens.

"This is getting out of hand," wrote another commenter, summing up the general sentiment in the comments section.

Netizens were also baffled at how the PMD users managed to enter the station with such large devices in the first place, with many questioning if rules were being properly enforced.

According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), personal mobility aids (PMAs) on public transport should not exceed 120cm in length, 70cm in width and 150cm in height.

The total weight of the PMA together with the user should not exceed 300kg.