Melbourne’s controversial e-scooter trial extended again by six months

A trial of hire scooters in the inner city will run for at least another six months after the state government said it wanted to collect more data over summer.

The hire scooters were rolled out in the Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip council districts in December 2021. Picture: David Crosling

The controversial e-scooter trial in inner Melbourne will be extended again, for another six months.

The electric-powered two-wheelers, which are available to hire, were introduced in the Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip council districts in December 2021.

That original trial was extended in late April for six months and was due to expire this week.

The extension, rather than making the rollout permanent, is to collect more data over the warmer months, the state government said.

The Lime and Neuron machines have proven popular with many people, especially city visitors.

The scooter trial has been extended again. Picture: David Crosling

Five million trips have been taken by the more than one million users who signed up during the trial’s first 22 months.

The e-scooters have also drawn criticism over their sometimes dangerous use and the risk to pedestrians and subsequent injuries.

Emergency department doctors have called for urgent preventive measures after a report, released earlier this year, found serious injuries to drunk or drug-affected riders on e-scooters were soaring in Victoria.

The study by Alfred Health and Monash University reported a dramatic spike in e-scooter riders presenting to hospital with injuries ranging from broken bones to spinal damage and traumatic injury to the brain.

A person riding a Neuron e-scooter in Melbourne.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the safety of all road users was the highest priority.

“We’re taking a considered and evidence-based approach to e-scooters in Victoria to make sure we get this right,” Ms Williams said.

The problem of the scooters cluttering footpaths even brought on a human rights challenge by a disability rights advocate. That action is now headed to VCAT.

Push Mobility managing director Shane Hryhorec said the hire scooters and e-bikes breached disability rights when left on footpaths or restrict access for people with limited mobility or vision.

Another 100,000 privately owned e-scooters, separate to the hire machines, are in use across the state and also considered part of the trial and its regulations.

All e-scooter riders have to adhere to a 20 km/h speed limit, must wear a helmet, avoid footpaths and not carry passengers. And the same restrictions on alcohol and drug use and mobile device restrictions apply as when driving a car.

The scooters are allowed on roads with a speed limit of 60km/h or less.

A total of 827 e-scooter infringements were issued by Victoria Police in the 12 months between December 1, 2021 and November 30, 2022.

The Department of Transport and Planning is working on a guide for councils on how to manage the e-scooter share schemes. Advice on parking management and operator insurance requirements will be part of the guidance.