E-scooters: Willoughby Council considers e-scooter trial, critics warn of safety risks

Streets across the north shore could be the first in NSW to trial the use of e-scooters but some local shop owners fear they could become a menace on the region’s roads.

Streets across the north shore could be the first in NSW to trial the use of e-scooters but there are concerns over potential safety risks on the region’s busy roads.

Willoughby councillors have taken the first step in nominating the region to trial e-scooters in a move partly aimed at encouraging a reduction in car congestion.

While there has been growing use of private e-scooters across Australia, they are currently illegal to ride in public areas in NSW.

The e-scooters have recently begun trials in Victoria.

But the State Government has committed to trial e-scooters in local council areas this year to find out whether there is a safe way to lift the ban across NSW.

Willoughby councillor Brendon Zhu, who is spearheading a localised trial, said allowing the use of privately owned e-scooters could encourage residents to leave their cars at home.

“It’s legal in WA, in QLD, in Tasmania and the ACT and we also see trials in the other states so it doesn’t make any sense to have them banned here,” he said.

“There are a lot of benefits – traffic congestion, health benefits, also environmental benefits and especially in light of fuel prices they could be more appealing.

“Already I think many people genuinely think they are legal (in NSW) – when JB Hi-Fi and other retailers have them on their catalogues I think people have no idea it’s not legal in public spaces.

“At the end of the day owners take care of them, look after them, but I also agree that appropriate regulation takes place.”

Some councillors have expressed trepidation with the move due to concerns including potential conflicts with pedestrians.

Willoughby councillor Brendon Zhu is backing the trial.

A photo of an e-scooter in action.

There are also question marks over whether the trial would be extended to allow share scooter schemes which critics fear could result in a proliferation of scooters dumped in local areas.

Councillor Georgie Roussac supported a trial but said it should come with safeguards.

“A lot of people I know would be frightened by e-scooters, the vulnerable, the elderly and the young so I think we’d need good education and guidelines around speed limits,” she said.

“In the past we’ve had issues around the proliferation of share bikes - if that came up too that could cause a lot of hazards and loss of amenity.”

Cranks Bikes Chatswood owner Paul Williams said he would not support selling the motorised vehicles, even if they became legal.

Trials of share scooters are underway in Victoria.

“Personally I think they are dangerous – our shop is a bit away from Chatswood and already the amount of people I see doing 25kmh down footpaths is incredibly dangerous,” he said.

“If they were limited to 15kmh then maybe they should be allowed but I’ve seen too many accidents.

“There’s no way I’d be selling them.”

Transport Minister Rob Stokes, in a media release last year, said the trial would include various safeguards.

“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,” he said.

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

Mr Zhu also wanted electric skateboards and “electric unicycles” added to the trial however this has already been ruled out as part of the State Government trial.

Willoughby Council have supported nominating the region for a trial, with a further report due to be considered by councillors if the nomination is successful.