Could an electric scooter trial ease COVID-congestion in Sydney CBD?
As commuters search for public transport alternatives to in the wake of COVID-19, business leaders say an electric scooter trial in the Sydney CBD could be the solution.
NSW
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Business groups, politicians and the state’s richest council are calling on the state government to trial e-scooters in the Sydney CBD.
The electronic devices, which can reach speeds of 25 km/h and travel 50km on one charge, are currently illegal to use in NSW on all but private property.
The Sydney Business Chamber, Wentworth Federal Liberal MP Dave Sharma and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore say they are all supportive of the devices as a way to ease congestion.
“This would be especially good for women, who often shy away from cycling to the office because it is impractical and there are a lack of showering facilities in CBD businesses,” Sydney Business Chamber executive director Katherine O’Regan said.
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“With the proliferation of pop-up bike lanes being rolled out across the city in the coming weeks, this presents the perfect opportunity for a well-considered trial.”
Ms O’Regan said the devices have been shown to be a big boost for businesses in New Zealand because commuters can more easily drop into stores to make purchases.
Cities including Brisbane, Adelaide and San Francisco have allowed them to operate, while London is set to trial them in the coming weeks.
Transport for NSW considered the matter in 2019 via a consultative committee, which involved eight inner city councils, NSW Police, Ambulance NSW and others.
But sources said the government has dropped the idea because of safety fears.
Inner West Council, which was part of those discussions, said a trial would be “beneficial” subject to safety checks.
“Post COVID-19 we are going to have to find smart ways to get people around,” Wentworth Federal Liberal MP Dave Sharma said.
“Transport for NSW’s resistance to this is becoming unfathomable.”
A trial in Sydney would have to involve scooters being used on the cycleways network.
Transport for NSW and the City of Sydney this week started rolling out 11km of temporary cycleways in Moore Park, Pyrmont, Pitt St, Everleigh, Sydney Park and Rosebery.
The new cycleways have sparked controversy with at least 100 carparking spots to be lost around Moore Park Rd alone.
The City of Sydney also recently secured new 40km/h zones on Oxford Street, Moore Park Road, Pyrmont Bridge Road and in Pyrmont, Ultimo, Darlington, Camperdown and west Paddington.
“There are no plans for an e-scooter trial in Sydney at this stage and safety will always be our number one priority,” a spokeswoman for Transport Minister Andrew Constance said.
“Riding an electric scooter on roads or road related areas is illegal in NSW under the NSW Road Rules 2014, however they can be purchased for use on private property.”
Mitchell Price, spokesman for e-scooter company Lime, said a trial in Sydney could involve 500 scooters and “there would be no cost to the taxpayer”.
Rose Bay woman Victoria Read, who works in the city, said she would be a willing participant in the trial.
“Everything has changed since coronavirus so I definitely think twice before getting on public transport,” the 28-year-old said.
“I want to make sure I’m looking out for my family and colleagues.
“Scooters would let me get to and from work, meetings with clients, appointments and seeing friends without having to worry about getting on a crowded train, getting stuck in bad traffic or arriving puffed and red from a long bike ride.”
Originally published as Could an electric scooter trial ease COVID-congestion in Sydney CBD?