Rental ebikes are experiencing a significant rise in popularity across Australian cities, particularly in Sydney, where their presence nearly doubled in 2025. The surge in ebike rentals comes at a time when e-scooter usage is declining sharply, attributed to increasing safety fears and a so-called "moral panic." Major players in the e-scooter market, such as Neuron and Beam, have been forced to reduce their fleets due to negative public sentiment and regulatory scrutiny surrounding the safety of these devices. While ebikes have emerged as a favorable alternative, e-scooter operations have struggled to maintain market share in the face of heightened safety and regulatory challenges.

The initial excitement surrounding e-scooter rentals across Australia saw them authorized for use in all capital cities, excluding Sydney, by early 2025. However, as safety incidents escalated, notably including a fatality in Perth, municipalities began to impose stricter regulations on e-scooter operations. This shift has prompted cities like Perth to withdraw significant numbers of e-scooters from circulation. Reports indicate that the broader pattern could lead to a reevaluation of how e-mobility devices are regulated, especially if future inquiries suggest that tighter oversight could enable safer operations of e-scooters.

As urban transport needs evolve, the ebike rental landscape not only indicates a shift in user preferences but also highlights a growing demand for safer, sustainable transport options. As rental ebike programs continue to expand, they may provide a viable solution for city planners seeking to address congestion and environmental concerns. The contrasting fortunes of ebikes and e-scooters raise questions about the future of the shared mobility sector, emphasizing the importance of safety and regulatory frameworks in guiding its development in Australia and potentially setting precedents for similar markets worldwide.