Neuron launches e-scooter safety campaign launched a week into Ballarat trial

Although Ballarat’s new scooters have been welcomed, there’s a small number of misbehaving riders a new safety campaign seeks to address.

Neuron has launched an e-scooter safety campaign a week into the Ballarat trial.

Neuron, the company behind Ballarat’s electric scooter trial, has joined with the Australian Road Safety Foundation and Ballarat police to remind riders of the laws relating to e-scooters.

Although Ballarat mayor Daniel Moloney said feedback so far was “overwhelmingly positive”, some on social media seem uncertain about the scooters now dotted about Ballarat; on the other hand, other users consider them convenient and condemn the town’s “fun police”.

Regardless, most of the complaints have to do with apparent dangerous behaviour, scooters left in undesirable places, or the prohibition of privately-owned scooters.

Local police warned on Monday they “have some concerns with the behaviour and compliance of a small number of users” and would be issuing penalty notices to those who broke the rules.

Neuron repeated that message on Wednesday and announced a ‘ScootSafe’ event for the following day to help familiarise residents with the requirements of using the distinctive orange scooters.

The company offered free ride credits to those who attended the two-hour briefing in front of the town hall from 11.30am.

According to Neuron, more than 10,000 e-scooter rides have been taken since the Victorian Government-backed year-long trial begun on December 15.

Cr Moloney said he was delighted about the strong adoption of the new mode of transport.

“E-scooters offer a safe, convenient and inexpensive transport option, and while the early uptake and feedback is overwhelmingly positive, we do want to remind people to follow the riding rules,” he said.

“Especially with school holidays now here, we want to remind the community that while we know people of all ages will be tempted to ride, it is important to remember you must be over 18.”

Australian Road Safety Foundation CEO Russell White urged e-scooter riders to be responsible over the holidays.

“E-scooters are a great means of getting around and provide residents with a convenient and efficient option for short trips,” he said.

“However, riders must stay alert, behave responsibly and follow the rules. There is an increased chance of people riding under the influence of alcohol during the holidays, increasing the chance for incidents.

“With school holidays upon us parents could also be tempted to ride with their children on the same e-scooter.”

Neuron said riding on the footpath risked a fine of $182, riding without a helmet one of $227 fine, and riding while under the influence of alcohol $227 and disqualification of a learner permit or driver’s licence.

Ambulance Victoria was not able to provide the number of call-outs involving e-scooters in the area, and Victoria Police did not respond to a query about the number of infringement notices issued in the past week.