State Government approves e-scooter trial while Adelaide Fringe is on
Electric scooters will hit CBD streets during the Fringe, after the State Government fast-tracked a trial of the burgeoning technology.
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Electric scooters will hit the city streets for the duration of the Adelaide Fringe, with trials beginning on Friday.
Transport Minister Stephan Knoll told The Advertiser that a trial of e-scooters had been fast-tracked by the Government and will take place until March 17.
“We moved quickly to fast-track this trial so it could be up and running for what is the busiest time for the Adelaide CBD,” he said.
“E-scooters have become popular in many cities around the world and will offer a sustainable alternative transport option for short journeys across Adelaide in the future.
“The State Government is excited by this trial because it shows how new technologies can be used to deliver first and last mile transport solutions.”
Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said they would be a great addition to the festival season.
“You’ll certainly be seeing the Lord Mayor zipping from venue to venue during Fringe and the Adelaide Festival, as these e-scooters are convenient and a lot of fun to use,” she said.
“I can’t wait to see all our visiting artists and festival goers testing out the e-scooters.”
The operator for the trial will be announced within days but the world’s “premium” provider Lime and Singaporean start-up Beam Mobility Solutions have both approached the State Government and Adelaide City Council about setting up shop in the city.
It comes as police warn motorists to watch out for pedestrians in the city during the Fringe period and to avoid drink driving.
The city’s East End will be a Declared Public Precinct, where police have additional powers and order those, whose behaviour poses a risk to public safety, to leave.
The e-scooters, which can travel up to 25km/h and are unlocked through a mobile phone app, will be subject to a number of conditions.
They will be speed-limited to 15km/h and “geo-fenced imposed” to not allow them past the CBD trial area.
Riders will have to be at least 18-years-old, must wear a helmet, must not carry passengers or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs or use a mobile phone while riding.
After the trial a further decision will be made on the long-term future of e-scooters in Adelaide.
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