E-scooters Victoria: Locals’ opinions on whether they should be legal or not

Victorians have shared their thoughts on the future of eScooters in Victoria, and whether they are a great way to get around town or a menace on our streets.

Some people love them, some people have sadly got hurt on them, and others have had to duck out of the way as they zoom by

E-scooters have been available for use in three parts of inner Melbourne – and Ballarat – since February as part of a 12-month trial.

They can also be bought privately but are illegal for use in Victoria when they’re not being used on private property.

The State Government will be evaluating the success of the trial before determining whether they will be allowed on our roads or footpaths, similar to Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT.

This week Leader and Geelong Advertiser reporters have hit the streets to ask locals what they think about eScooters in our state, if they’re an awesome way to get around town, or a menace on our streets.

See if you can spot someone you know, and let us know your thoughts on eScooters in Victoria in the comments section.

Mavis Muldrich and Brian Cooper, Mornington

Voices of Victoria: Mavis Muldrich and Brian Cooper, both of Mornington.

Brian: I’ve just come back from Paris and eScooters were an absolute scourge there. They were everywhere; on the roads and on the footpaths. We don’t want to see that happening here in Melbourne. There’s no real way to police them either. The hire ones have those smart chips that prevent you from riding them where you shouldn’t, but the private ones can go anywhere.

Mavis: I think they’re dangerous. You can’t hear them coming either. Last summer I was walking down Main St with my grandchildren, when the road was closed to cars, and there were skateboarders whizzing past us. It was pretty scary. I was worried one of the little ones would get hit. E-scooters would be worse, they go much faster.

Chuck Long, Southbank

Chuck Long says he’d rather walk than use an e-scooter.

Chuck Long said e-scooters on Melbourne streets can be both good and bad.

“I don’t really understand why anyone would use them when they could just walk,” he said.

“But I think that you can find the good and bad in anything when you look deep enough.

“In terms of danger, I think you can injure yourself doing anything, even walking, so I’m not sure it’s that much of a safety issue,” Mr Long said.

“I can see why people find them annoying though.”

Christine Ryan, Ballarat

“I think they’re a lot of fun as long as they’re used properly.

“I’ve found school kids have been putting two or three on them, and because it’s a nice decline here they can get up a fair bit of speed.

“But especially in the nicer weather I think they’ll be a really nice thing.

“I saw that they’re expanding, so that’ll be good because my house is in it (the scooter coverage area) now.

John Green, Sandringham

“I think they’re a menace on our streets. I don’t think they are properly supervised, I don’t think people wear the helmets correctly, I think people ride them too quickly, and I think there’s a lack of consideration for the general public from people who ride them.”

Sammie McKendry, Fitzroy

Sammie McKendry talks about her experience with eScooters. Picture: Supplied.

“I think e-scooters are great,” Sammie said.

“I’ve found them hugely helpful in getting around Richmond and Cremorne without a car.

“In saying that, I can see how they can be misused and cause safety issues.”

Ricali Ebejer, Richmond

“You could argue that they are a hazard and lead to the harm of both pedestrians and the riders as well as getting thrown in rivers and polluting walkways,” Ricali said.

“You could argue that they fill in gaps that public transport and rise sharing leaves as well as being a more sustainable option for transport

Olivia Dorria from regional Victoria

Olivia Dorria

“It depends. They can be dangerous … I guess they can kind of be a menace sometimes.

“I think we should keep them, but with some rules.”

Asger Hussainaga from Geelong

Asger Hussainaga

“I’m pretty sure they’re a menace on our streets.

“It’s not safe whatsoever.

“I see them all the time going through, they don’t even stop sometimes.”

Joshua Treloar from Fyansford

Joshua Treloar

“I think it depends on the suburb and where they’re doing it.

“Obviously if it’s Melbourne CBD, a lot of them get taken, vandalised, (or) thrown in rivers, so I think that’s kind of the downside to it.

“But then, there’s also the convenience side, where it does get you places quicker, as long as you’re safe.

“There’s a lot of variables and factors involved in it, so it’s hard to give a pinpoint answer.”

Chloe Jones from Corio

Chloe Jones of Corio.

“They’re really great.

“I’ve always wanted one.

“It’s just awesome seeing people just ride them around Geelong.

“It gets you from point A to point B.

“It’s a really good idea.”

Simon Baron, Bayswater

Supplied Editorial Fwd: VOV - Simon baron

“They are a menace, I was at (Westfield) Knox an hour ago and I saw a guy fly through the roundabout on one near the KFC.

“I think they’re dangerous to pedestrians, and there’s more people riding them stupidly than safely.

“In the right place and environment they’re OK, I don’t have a problem with people using them on bike paths, but not on roads and without a helmet.

“I think they should be like eBikes and electric vehicles, they should all be registered.”