Call for Stronger E-Scooter Insurance Regulations in NSW
Call for Stronger E-Scooter Insurance Regulations in NSW
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The rapid increase in e-scooter usage across New South Wales has prompted renewed calls for improved insurance regulations to safeguard both riders and pedestrians.
Genevieve Henderson, president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance NSW, is advocating for mandatory insurance policies that would cover private e-scooter owners and council-managed e-scooter sharing programs.
Henderson emphasizes the necessity for owners to obtain adequate coverage, including third-party liability, and insists that insurance should be a cornerstone of any public or private e-scooter initiative. "Current laws do not align with the significant usage of e-mobility devices," she warns.
The urgency becomes more pressing as more private e-scooters appear on public roads and walkways. "This development is already unfolding, with reports of both e-scooters and strong e-bikes causing harm to pedestrians in various public areas," Henderson states.
During a recent NSW parliamentary inquiry, Henderson highlighted the financial vulnerabilities faced by those involved in e-scooter incidents. "Many users may be unaware of the financial risks-they could face severe financial fallout, jeopardizing their assets, including their homes, if involved in harming others while using these devices," she pointed out.
Victims, too, find themselves in precarious situations. "Pedestrians struck by an e-mobility device suffer the brunt of injuries and the subsequent costs without adequate compensation if the responsible party lacks insurance," Henderson adds. "Innocent victims should not bear the financial burden due to the negligence of uninsured e-mobility users."
Henderson's appeal underscores the necessity for legislative adaptations to keep pace with evolving modes of transport. The original report from Australian Lawyers highlights that without the required reforms, both individual users and the public face increasing risks. The call is for immediate action to bolster protection and ensure a balanced approach to integrating e-scooters responsibly into urban mobility.
Published:Thursday, 7th Nov 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more
Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted industry leaders to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more
In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more
Australia's general insurance industry has reported a remarkable financial performance for the 2025 financial year (FY25), achieving a return on equity (ROE) of 19%, the highest in a decade. This significant milestone reflects a combination of favourable conditions and strategic premium adjustments within the sector. - read more
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced robust financial results for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), reporting a 4.3% increase in gross written premium (GWP) to $17.1 billion. This performance has led the company to upgrade its guidance for the upcoming fiscal year 2026 (FY26), signalling confidence in sustained growth. - read more
Income protection insurance is a safeguard that provides individuals with financial stability in the event they are unable to work due to illness or injury. This type of insurance typically replaces a significant percentage of the insured's income, ensuring that their financial commitments can still be met during periods when they cannot earn an income through employment. - read more
Accidental income protection insurance is a type of policy that provides financial support if you are unable to work due to an accident. Unlike regular income protection insurance, which can cover illnesses and injuries, this specific insurance focuses solely on accidents. - read more
Financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly when life is known for its unpredictability. This introductory section sheds light on the vital nature of income protection insurance and its role in safeguarding Australians' financial well-being. Ensuring continual financial inflow during times of illness or injury not only offers stability but also protects one's standard of living. - read more
In the face of life's unpredictable twists and turns, few things are as disconcerting as the possibility of suddenly losing your ability to earn an income due to illness. Such events are often unexpected and can have significant financial repercussions that interrupt not only your flow of daily life but also compromise your future plans. - read more
When life takes an unexpected turn, whether due to illness, injury, or other unforeseen events, the financial repercussions can be devastating. This is where income protection insurance becomes an essential component of maintaining financial stability. Income protection insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring that even in times of hardship, your financial obligations can be met, and your standard of living maintained. - read more
Knowledgebase
Endorsement: An amendment or addition to an existing insurance policy that changes the terms or scope of the original policy.