Bundaberg council seeks feedback on e-scooters

Businesses and pedestrians across Bundaberg and Bargara have spoken out about what they think of the e-scooters whose fate will soon be decided by the Bundaberg council. Read what community members had to say and find out how to have your say before it’s too late.

There’s no doubt electric orange scooters have provided endless hours of entertainment and reliable transport for the Bundaberg community, but they could soon be a thing of the past if negative feedback sways a council decision on their future.

Bundaberg Regional Council is seeking public feedback through a survey on the commercially operated e-scooters as a 12-month trial in the region comes to an end.

The survey was designed to “inform council’s decision surrounding the continuation of the commercial permit that allows Rideable companies to operate in the Bundaberg region”.

Neuron Mobility launched 250 e-scooters in Bundaberg and Bargara in April 2021.

In January 2022, Neuron further expanded, adding another 75 e-scooters and growing its ride zone to include the industrial precinct and Burnett Heads coastline.

The NewsMail asked pedestrians and business operators this week what they thought of the scooters.

Dillon from TJ’s Bakery said he had no issue with them.

“We haven’t had any problems here,” he said.

“They’re good for people to get around.”

Dillon from TJ's Bakery has no issue with the e-scooters.

Bargara resident and The Journey owner, Mat Grills, said he saw both sides of the debate.

“There’s definitely positives and negatives,” he said.

“It’s not good if you’re running on the footpath and trip over them because people leave them laying all over the footpath, but I think they’re good for tourists.

“I wouldn’t be disappointed if they went and I wouldn’t be disappointed if they stayed.”

Bargara resident and The Journey owner, Matt Grills can see both sides of the e-scooter debate.

Bargara Palms Motel manager Amanda Slade said her motel guests found the scooters a convenient way to get out and explore.

“I love them. I think they’re good for the area. I’ve had no problems with them and we’re right on the corner,” she said.

“They’ve been so good for backpackers.”

Palms Motel, Bargara. Motel manager Amanda Slade said her motel guests found the scooters a convenient way to get out and explore.

Tara Jacobsen from Cha Cha Chocolate suggested the scooters would be better used in areas without high-traffic build-up.

“We’ve been on them and explored so many different areas; we’ve lived here our whole life and saw places we’d never been before,” Ms Jacobsen said.

“The main street is a different story, because a lot of kids are riding them on the footpath and I know myself and a couple of customers have walked out and almost been hit by them. So I don’t know if they’re working that well in town.

“Riders zoom so quickly past shops that you’re not expecting to walk out and have an electric scooter on the footpath.

“Different areas like over the bridge to North Bundy or down at the River Walk would work but in the main street, it should be a no-go area.

“They are really good and it would be sad to see them go.”

Tara Jacobsen from Cha Cha Chocolate suggested the scooters would be better used in areas without high-traffic build-up.

Oscar Nails owner Taon Pran says while he did see the scooters laying around, they were a bit of fun for the community.

“They’re not bothering anybody,” he said.

Council Sport and Recreation councillor Vince Habermann said the council was urging community members to share their experiences of commercial e-scooters.

“In authorising a 12 month trial, council acknowledged the affordable and sustainable qualities of e-scooters and their ability to add to the region’s transport system,” he said.

“Now, in order to make an informed decision about the continuation of commercial e-scooters throughout the region, we’d like to hear from the community about their experiences.

“This will help us to understand how and why they’re being used and the community’s interaction with the scooters.”

Mr Habermann said anyone who would like give their feedback could complete the survey at ourbundabergregion.com.au, by contacting the council on 1300 883 699 or via paper copy at the council office.

The survey closes on March 13.