Electric scooter trial to being in NSW next year

Electric scooters are growing in popularity but are still illegal on all but private roads in NSW but the state government has finally had a change of heart on their use.

Sydneysiders will soon be able to ride their electric scooters without fear of being fined after the state government reversed its longstanding opposition to a trial.

But companies offering to provide the devices for short term hire have been left out in the cold amid concerns they would create a public nuisance.

Responding to calls from business groups, transport experts and the opposition, Transport Minister Rob Stokes said the trial would begin next year.

“This trial is in response to the growing use of private electric scooters and the need to

manage this trend safely,” Mr Stokes said.

A girl powers her electric scooter through the quiet central business district of in Sydney on 23, 2021, amid a coronavirus outbreak that state leaders said has become a "national emergency". (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)

“New transport technologies like e-scooters are exciting and offer an affordable,

convenient and sustainable mode of mobility, particularly for first and last mile journeys.

“The NSW Government is keen to enable innovation but safety is paramount.”

The devices can travel up to 65 km/h and have a range of 80km. They are allowed to operate in Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane, and Victoria has recently brought in a trial.

Transport for NSW will be talking to local councils early next year about potential

locations of the trial to see how e-scooters can fit into the transport network.

The Sunday Telegraph last month revealed Business Western Sydney chief executive David Borger was calling on former transport minister Andrew Constance to hold the trial at Sydney Olympic Park.

Business Sydney has also long called for a trial in the CBD, seeing it as yet another way to revitalise economic activity in an area smashed by the pandemic.

A handsome, young, bearded man in a suit riding an electric scooter.

Mr Borger welcomed the announcement, but encouraged the government to include hire companies to maximise convenience and participation.

Mr Constance maintained opposition to a trial for the duration of his six years as transport minister – including the cancellation of a trial earlier this year.

Mr Stokes said: “We are considering the previous recommendations of the Electric Scooter Working Group, which included not using electric scooters on footpaths, establishing safe travel speeds and assessing their use within cycling infrastructure”.

The e-scooter trial is expected to run for 12 months and may be expanded or extended,

depending on the outcomes of safety and mobility impact monitoring.

E-scooters are illegal to use on all but private roads.

NSW Police have handed out only 24 fines totalling $1804 since 2014 for riding scooters and other unauthorised devices on public land, according to Revenue NSW.

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