Challenge could put an end to Melbourne’s e-scooter trial

Opponents of Melbourne’s e-scooters are mounting a challenge to stop the trial because of concerns about “human rights implications”.

An e-bike and fallen e-scooter obstructing a footpath in the City of Yarra.

Disability advocates are challenging Melbourne’s e-scooter trial, lodging a complaint with the national Human Rights Commission in a move that could stop the hire rides roll-out in its tracks.

The discrimination claim alleges the hire scooters and e-bikes breach disability rights because they are left on footpaths and restrict access for people with limited mobility or vision.

Push Mobility managing director Shane Hryhorec has told Yarra council that people with disabilities were being ignored.

“The City of Yarra is aware of the human rights implications of allowing scooters to be parked on footpaths and blocking access to premises but are not doing anything to resolve it.’’

Push Mobility managing director Shane Hryhorec.

Although Mr Hryhorec has lodged the claim over Yarra’s participation in the trial, any outcome could impact the other councils – Melbourne, Port Phillip and Ballarat – also involved in the trial.

The trial of Lime and Neuron e-scooters and e-bikes began in December 2021 and has been extended to October this year.

Mr Hryhorec called for a pause on the trial because “we can’t allow this discrimination towards people with disabilities to go on any longer’’.

Mr Hryhorec, also a member on the council’s Disability Advisory Committee and the Business Advisory Group, said he would also lodge a complaint with the Victorian Ombudsman.

“The fact that we’ve been speaking up for six months and totally ignored shows the complete lack of care. It’s outright discrimination.

The trial of Lime and Neuron e-scooters and e-bikes has been extended to October this year. Picture: Mark Stewart

“People who are blind can’t report scooters. You need to scan a code and you have to see to scan a code.’ This trial, without a doubt, in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act,’’ he told the council meeting.

Resident Jo Casey, who has low vision and attended the meeting with her guide dog, called for more designated parking areas. “On a daily basis, I’m dealt with trying to navigate around e-scooters blocking footpaths,’’ Ms Casey said.

Cr Herschel Landes called for more about 150 dedicated scooter parking spaces across the municipality.

Abandoned e-scooters are a constant source of frustration to pedestrians.

Yarra council officers will prepare a further report on the progress and possible changes for the trial. Deputy Mayor Edward Crossland said he was concerned about the way e-scooters were dumped but backed the push for micro-mobility in the city.

Operator Neuron said it was renewing its commitment to promote “Safer Streets for All” with a campaign to ptomote romote responsible riding and parking.

Neuron’s Australia and New Zealand head Richard Hannah said the spotlight would also be on vulnerable communities.

“Neuron’s e-scooters have an excellent safety record and they are widely recognised for making a positive impact,’’ Mr Hannah said.

However, we can always do more, and that includes reminding people why it is so important to ride and park them safely.”

The Australian Human Right Commission receives more complaints about alleged breaches of disability rights than any other area.

In 2021-22, 52 per cent of all complaints were lodged under the Disability Discrimination Act. The commission will review the complaint to assess if any further action is to be taken. Conciliation between the two parties is the likely next step but if not successful, the complainant can take the matter to court.