Electric scooter company Lime wants vehicles to be free to ride in CBD

A global electric scooter company says allowing the vehicles in the Melbourne CBD could help solve our congestion crisis, but walkers don’t think they’re such a good idea.

A Lime user crosses the street on a scooter in the Brisbane CBD. AAP Image/Albert Perez

Global electric scooter company Lime has hit out at the Andrews Government, calling for an end to regulations that are stopping them from zooming through the CBD.

The Californian ride-share business has an office in Melbourne but strict laws about electric vehicles and foot path speeds have prevented them from testing their fleet outdoors.

The 250-watt scooters have been trialled in Brisbane and Monash University’s Clayton campus but would currently require a Victorian motorcycle licence and helmet because they have a top speed of more than 23kmh.

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Riders would also have to travel on the road because vehicles on Victorian footpaths must not exceed speeds of 10kmh.

A person rides a lime scooter in Auckland. Photo: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Lime’s director of government affairs, Mitchell Price, said the company was trying to launch in Melbourne but was trapped by the restrictions.

“We are working with local, state and federal government and across political parties to continue our Australian expansion,” he said.

“Until these laws are updated, we are stuck riding our scooters indoors.

“Melbourne’s congestion is one of the world’s worst, our roads are at a standstill and our public transport is overcrowded.

“We need to get people out of personal cars and out enjoying the city.”

But Victoria Walks executive officer Ben Rossiter said many people were opposed to the vehicles.

“Allowing fast scooters on footpaths would be a nightmare for our most vulnerable road users which is why the Council on the Ageing, Vision Australia and Victoria Walks are all opposed to them,” he said.

“This is about big business making money at the expense of our most vulnerable road users, like seniors who depend on walking to get around.

“All Victorians should be able to walk on footpaths without fear of a scooter hurtling toward them at 25kmh, particularly seniors, people with vision impairments and disabilities and parents with young children.”

Mr Rossiter said there were also concerns e-scooters would become the new O-bikes and would clutter up footpaths and waterways.