Bundaberg council renews contract with Neuron Scooter

Neuron Scooters has confirmed 325 electric scooters will stay across Bundaberg, Bargara and the Burnett Heads after Bundaberg council renewed their contract.

Neuron Scooters confirmed on Tuesday that their bright orange scooters would remain in Bundaberg, revealing that their contract had been renewed for 12 months with the Bundaberg Regional Council.

Neuron held a press conference with Bundaberg police to encourage riders to stay safe when using the scooters by making sure helmets were worn, and road rules obeyed.

Qld Neuron Mobility manager Tim Morris said their popularity in the region had come from their usability.

“Particularly for short trips, so the average trip length is 2.5km, they’re replacing those short car trips,” he said.

“It’s a safe way to get around town. It’s a bit of fun, and it’s environmentally friendly.”

Neuron announced that in line with the new contract, more safety ambassadors would be on the ground to assist scooter riders, though no new scooters would be installed in Bundaberg.

Mr Morris said the renewal was a pleasant surprise following work done with the council and police to ensure the scooters were welcome in the city.

“We have worked hard to tailor the needs to the Bundaberg community,” he said.

There are 325 e-scooters across Bundaberg, Bargara and the Burnett Heads area.

“It’s important that people follow the rules, we don’t want to add extra work for the Queensland Police Service but there are penalties in place for people who don’t follow the rules,” said Mr Morris.

The safety message comes from accidents and fines being handed down from illegal and inappropriate use of e-scooters across the region, and Bundaberg Highway Patrol officer Michael Molloy said scooter safety was vital.

A month long partnership between Neuron and the QPS is set to begin to allow officers to conduct and enforce an education campaign encouraging safe and legal riding of e-scooters.

“Police are going to be focusing on wearing of helmets, occupant limits and to give way to other road users as required,” Senior Constable Molloy said.

Recent trends in dangerous riding surround intoxicated riding, particularly in the evenings and over weekends.

“People may indulge in a few drinks and decide to use the devices in an irresponsible way and we do wish to address that and discourage that where possible,” Snr Const Molloy said.

He said Neuron was doing its fair share in ensuring all scooters were up-to-par with helmets and other key safety protocols.

“All their scooters that I have found are well maintained they have the required lighting operating and visible, and they are supplied with a helmet,” he said.

Neuron recently implemented a scoot-safe program in line with its Safety Ambassadors to ensure safe and correct riding.