The state government is extending the current e-scooter trial for the next six months to investigate additional safety and compliance measures, ahead of introducing permanent regulatory settings later this year.
Victorians, especially shift workers, have embraced e-scooters as another mode of transport for getting home, with more than eight million trips recorded during a closely monitored trial – making the public hire share scheme one of the world’s most popular. The government says
Data gathered during the trial period shows most e-scooter users are doing the right thing, however it also indicates that more time is needed to improve compliance and make e-scooters safer, and support riders to understand the rules.
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Ride e-scooters after drinking or while on your phone? You could lose your driver’s licence
Melbourne doctors raised concerns last year that the rise of e-scooter injuries was clogging up emergency rooms while accidents involving children – despite current regulations – have also proven a national issue.
The government is investigating extra measures to ensure e-scooter riders and other road users are fully aware of and comply with the rules for e-scooter use. During this time, the current settings will continue.
To assist with this, a refreshed education campaign is being developed for roll out across trial areas, focusing on safe rider behaviour, helmet use and e-scooter parking.
Riders must not ride on footpaths, always wear a helmet, be at least 16 years old, not carry a passenger and not drink and ride. E-scooters must not travel at more than 20km/h and only be ridden on roads with a maximum speed limit of 60km/h or less.
User surveys conducted by share scheme operators revealed that around 28 per cent of e-scooter trips in metropolitan areas and up to 40 per cent of trips in Ballarat replaced a vehicle trip (private car or rideshare vehicle) on the riders’ most recent e-scooter ride, helping to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce emissions.
Share hire e-scooters are only legal in councils that have an agreement with an operator.
The Labor Government will continue to help councils who choose to introduce share hire schemes by developing a guide with best practice advice on how to manage e-scooter share schemes, including parking management and operator insurance requirements.
“E-scooters are here to stay – they’ve proven popular among commuters, especially shift workers, providing an additional option to travel home safely,” Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said.
“We have more work to do on safety and compliance to ensure that e-scooters are safe when they’re made permanent later this year.”
The current settings will now end on October 4. For more information on current e-scooter regulations, head here.
