Eco-friendly e-scooters wheeling us towards a greener future

Host of Gladstone's Changing Climates series, Dr Christa Pudmenzky, explains how transport emissions contribute to climate change. Plus, how e-scooters form part of the sustainable transport solution.

Experts observe that Australia's climate is warming.

Across Australia, temperatures have risen by around 1.4C since national records began in 1910.

This warming is primarily due to human activities that pump excessive greenhouse gases into our atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases act like a blanket, trapping heat and keeping our planet warm.

This 'greenhouse effect' is exacerbated by rising emissions and it drives temperature increases across the globe, including in Gladstone.

The average November day is now 1.4C warmer than it was in the early 1970s.

The transport sector – currently Australia's third highest source of emissions – provides an opportunity to limit further warming by replacing gas guzzling cars with more sustainable forms of transport.

Australia is turning to electric options powered by renewable energy sources including solar and wind.

Sustainable transport options include trains, trams, electric vehicles, bikes and also the smart and speedy e-scooter.

Time for petrol cars to scoot over

E-scooters have transformed the nostalgic childhood activity of scooting into a fun, fast, and sustainable mode of transport for all ages.

Most state governments have begun public trials, implementing share scooters across our capital cities.

These sharing schemes have become very popular as a low-cost transport mode for short trips and also give people the chance to try before they buy.

Plus, e-scooters connect us to public transport when walking to the closest bus stop or train station that is just that little bit too far.

In fact, people are 90 per cent less likely to use public transport if they have to walk over 800 metres to catch their ride.

Purchasing a personal e-scooter is another economical alternative.

These green machines are more affordable to buy and run than a car, with models starting as low as $500.

As well as astronomically cheaper upfront costs, e-scooters mean savings on petrol, insurance and maintenance costs.

Plus you can happily wave goodbye to the pesky parallel parks.

Scooting safely

While e-scooters bring bundles of benefits, it's important to follow the rules and stay safe.

E-scooter laws vary between states, so make sure to research the rules before you head out for your next joyful journey.

In the meantime, you can keep yourself and others safe by wearing a helmet, riding with only one person per scooter and wearing bright clothing if scooting at night.

As our cities continue to grow, e-scooters can provide a flexible alternative for shorter trips, and help us keep our planet healthy.

Test your e-scooter knowledge

Want more information on how your climate is changing? Check out the last article in this series.

Dr Christa Pudmenzky is a climate scientist at the University of Southern Queensland.

This column is part of a collaboration between Monash University and News Corp to deliver hyperlocal weather and climate information.