We need to rethink the use of e-bikes, especially by children |
Christmas is a little over three weeks away and thousands of parents across Sydney are being pestered by their teens to get them the latest must-have accessory: a so-called “fat boy” e-bike.
Costing up to $4000, these bicycles with thick tyres suited to riding across sand are powered by batteries that deliver up to 500 watts of power – enough to generate speeds of up to 60km/h. The market for these powerful and heavy machines seems to be divided between teens, who ride on paths and through malls to the detriment of pedestrians, and delivery drivers, who whizz in and out of traffic to the consternation of drivers.
The NSW government will half the power of e-bikes.Credit: Max Mason-Hubers
While undoubtedly fun and easy for their users, there is a serious downside to this craze: NSW Ambulance has treated more than 770 patients across the state........