Delivery e-bike safety concerns revealed in landmark Melbourne study
Melbourne - A new study commissioned by the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has found widespread non-compliance among commercial delivery e-bikes in inner Melbourne, raising safety, regulatory, and enforcement concerns.
The research was conducted by Monash University, covering eight high-activity sites in May 2025, observed more than 27,000 two-wheeled vehicles, nearly half of which (47%) were delivery e-bikes.
The findings reveal:
- Only 4% of delivery e-bikes were observed pedalling – suggesting many are throttle-powered or modified beyond legal specifications.
- Speeds up to 54 km/h were recorded, with almost one in five exceeding 25 km/h; at some sites this rose to one in three.
- Hotspot areas, including Swanston Street (Carlton) and Swan Street (Richmond), recorded the highest rates of speeding.
- Elizabeth Street and King Street, saw high levels of footpath riding and wrong-way travel.
In contrast, compliant Zoomo-brand e-bikes were pedalled nearly half the time, travelled at lower average speeds, and recorded no speed-limit breaches.
VACC CEO Peter Jones said the findings highlight the urgent need for targeted enforcement and clearer regulations. “This report confirms what riders, pedestrians, and other road users have suspected – many of these delivery e-bikes are operating as unregistered motorbikes, without the safeguards or enforcement that applies to other vehicles.
We need consistent standards, proper compliance checks, and enforcement in known hotspots to keep all road users safe.”
The VACC is calling on the government to:
- Clarify regulatory definitions to match modern delivery e-bike capabilities.
- Enforce existing road rules for non-compliant e-bikes.
- Close the loopholes that allow illegal e-bikes to be imported.
“This is a rapidly growing problem with clear solutions. Our research shows concerning patterns in commercial use that create unnecessary risks.”
“We’re advocating for the government to implement a level playing field. These are motorbikes, they need to be registered, insured, and accountable to the road rules – just like any other vehicle. Current operators using compliant vehicles shouldn’t be disadvantaged by others exploiting regulatory gaps.” said Jones.
The full report, Commercial e-bikes and the application of regulations can be downloaded here:
https://bit.ly/VACC_E-bike_Report
Media contacts
Andrew Molloy
Manager Marketing & Communications
P. 03 9829 1248 | M. 0457 188 375 | E. [email protected] | W. vacc.com.au
Karla Leach
Executive Manager, Marketing and Communications
P. 03 9829 1247 | M. 0429 334 832 | E. [email protected] | W. vacc.com.au