Guide Dogs Tasmania implores e-scooter riders to follow safety rules

Guide Dogs Tasmania says the new e-scooters are compromising the safety of their clients, dogs, and trainers, one of whom has already been struck by a careless rider. THE INCIDENT >>

Guide Dogs Tasmania says reckless e-scooter riders are compromising the safety of their clients, dogs, and trainers, one of whom has already been struck by one.

Program manager Kim Ryan said the incident happened to one of their puppy trainers, who was hit by an e-scooter being illegally ridden by two passengers at once.

Additionally, Ms Ryan said the e-scooters presented significant trip hazards for their clients, especially when strewn in the middle of the footpath or blocking a kerb ramp.

“People with mobility canes, people in wheelchairs, people pushing a pram, they’re literally having to go out onto the road to get around some of them,” Ms Ryan said.

“We need to allow space when passing. You need to actually be considerate and not just scream past and use it as a toy - use it for its intended purpose.”

An e scooter passes guide dog trainer Rachael Hackney and Jonty at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Ryan said Guide Dogs Tasmania was not against the new e-scooters, but was imploring people to use them properly and be mindful of people with disabilities.

Ms Ryan said they were asking e-scooter riders to read the safety guidelines, to slow down near guide dog users, and to use the bell when overtaking.

“We’re asking people to be considerate of all pedestrians when they’re using them, especially at this time of the year when pedestrian traffic is just crazy in the city,” she said.

“And please don’t leave them blocking entranceways or mobility ramps, please consider leaving them in a suitable spot.”

A Neuron spokesperson said they were working around the clock to ensure the safety of people with disabilities.

This includes a topple detection system which alerts their 24/7 ground patrol team when one of their scooters has been knocked down onto the footpath.

“We work closely with accessibility groups and the vision loss community globally to develop safety features that create a better experience for all people using our shared paths,” the spokesperson said.

“Earlier this year, Neuron became the first - and still the only - micromobility operator in Australia and New Zealand to implement third party rider liability insurance. This gives our riders, and the community as a whole, added peace of mind and security.”

In terms of crash statistics, Neuron says across Australia they have less than two injuries per 100,000km travelled and almost no cases of injured pedestrians.

An e scooter passes guide dog trainer Rachael Hackney and Jonty at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

E-scooters pass their first hectic hurdle

THE new e-scooters have survived their first weekend with zero reports of vandalism or alcohol-fuelled arrests – and about 20,000 trips.

Despite its launch coinciding with Hobart’s notoriously boisterous Cage Night, Tasmania Police said they have made zero e-scooter-related call-outs or arrests.

Since Friday, adventurous commuters across Hobart and Launceston have logged about 10,000 trips from Beam and 10,000 trips from Neuron.

Tracy Rush tried out the e-scooters, cruising along the waterfront with her daughter.

“We’ve only been riding it for five minutes, but it’s pretty cool. We’ve been heading around the wharf,” Dr Rush said.

Tracey Rush tries out the new rental e-scooters. Picture: Kenji Sato

Teenager Grace Burbury went whizzing about the streets of Hobart with her friend in tow.

“It’s fun and a bit of an adrenaline rush,” she said.

However, Country Women’s Association shopkeeper Johanna Warren said she thought the e-scooters were a public nuisance.

Ms Warren said many of her customers were elderly shoppers who were afraid of being knocked over by a rider.

“It’s bad enough with the skateboarders that tear down Elizabeth Street. When someone walks out a shop doorway, you’re not expecting something on wheels to be flying at you,” she said.

“I thought that the footpath was for feet, not bicycles and skateboarders and e-scooters.’’

Breaking News Breaking News ZOOM: Grace Burbury tries out the new e-scooters. Picture: Kenji Sato

Hobart City councillor Bill Harvey said he was aware there were naysayers on social media, but that the trial on the whole had gotten off to a great start.

Cr Harvey said he appreciated that people had concerns about vandalism and reckless riding, but that the e-scooters would be a net positive for the city.

“If people do the wrong thing, that’s an issue with the person, not the e-scooters. If we didn’t do things because somebody might do the wrong thing, we’d have nothing,” Cr Harvey said.

“It was a phenomenal start and probably one of the biggest launches in Australia for a micromobility scooter trial.”

Neuron Australia head Richard Hannah said they took safety seriously, which is why they were launching a Festive ScootSafe Campaign over the holidays.

“With thousands of trips taken in the first few days alone, we are already seeing how popular our e-scooters are in Tasmania,” Mr Hannah said.

“We want to take this opportunity to reinforce the rules as well as our safety guidelines – it is the responsibility of every rider to do the right thing.”

Originally published as Guide Dogs Tasmania implores e-scooter riders to follow safety rules