Deakin University e-bike trial update: Popular uses, vandalism revealed

Deakin’s trial of e-bikes in Geelong is proving popular, but some riders are leaving the equipment in strange places. TAKE OUR POLL

A Lime e-bike was parked on the top the waterfront skatepark roof, but authorities say there hasn’t been many reports of vandalism of the equipment. Picture: Alan Barber

A trial of e-bikes in Geelong is experiencing a “healthy demand”, with thousands of trips taken, but some misuse is seeing the equipment left in strange places.

Deakin University partnered with transportation company Lime to deliver a 12-month trial of electric bikes (e-bikes), which started in September, 2022.

The e-bikes are available for use across multiple locations, including Deakin’s Waterfront and Waurn Ponds campuses, with rental and access managed on the Lime app.

Lime director of government relations for Australia and New Zealand Will Peters said more than 17,000 trips have been taken so far.

He said there had been more than 7000 unique riders, with e-bikes used daily.

“We’ve observed that 33 per cent of trips occur during peak commute hours on weekdays, demonstrating that our service is playing a significant role in Geelong’s transport landscape,” Mr Peters said.

“Lime riders have saved an estimated 2.616 metric tons of CO2, and kept an estimated 3,970 car trips off the road.”

A Deakin spokesperson said the e-bikes were popular, especially for use for short trips.

However, a number of the e-bikes have been left in unsafe places, including one that was left on the top of the waterfront skatepark roof.

“There is a small number of riders who leave e-bikes in locations that are not safe or in the spirit of what the service offers,” the spokesperson said.

“We know the community love the bikes for short trips (last mile trips), particularly commuting, as well as for accessing shops.

“There is also strong weekend recreational utilisation.”

Geelong Inspector Nicholas Uebergang said there had been minimal reports of vandalism involving e-bikes in Geelong.

“All forms of vandalism are unacceptable and we encourage the community to report any incidents as soon as possible so we can investigate,” he said.

In June, 2022, local police warned a surge in illegal e-bikes was posing a risk to road users across the region, especially to pedestrians.

Mr Peters said Lime had seen “healthy demand” for the service during the trial and was excited by the engagement level.

“It’s been particularly pleasing to see the impact our service is having on reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a more sustainable transport system in Geelong,” he said.

“As for the future of the bikes after the trial, Lime is keen to consider offering a permanent service.

“Our ultimate aim is to increase the amenity and reliability of transport options in all our markets, and we see great potential for this in Geelong.”

The Department of Transport and Planning launched an e-scooter trial last year in Melbourne and Ballarat.

As part of a six-month extension from April, 2023, other local governments including Geelong can participate in their own public hire scheme.

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Originally published as Deakin University e-bike trial update: Popular uses, vandalism revealed