Darwin hotels join big push for eScooters across the city

BUSINESSES are rallying behind the accessibility of eScooters during the coronavirus pandemic, with the Neuron scooters, just under halfway through their year-long trial, helping visitors see more in the city

Metro Hotel general manager Stefanos Vasilakis says eScooters are proving a valuable asset. Picture: Glenn Campbell

BUSINESSES are rallying behind the accessibility of eScooters during the coronavirus pandemic, with the Neuron scooters, just under halfway through their year-long trial, helping visitors see more in the city.

Metro Hotel general manager Stefanos Vasilakis said eScooters meant visitors to the city could get around to more businesses throughout the day, putting more into the local economy.

“The eScooter program has played a part in helping the industry recover from COVID-19 by making it easier for tourists to visit more local businesses,” he said.

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“The eScooters connect riders with hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and more, creating a real positive economic impact for us while we try and rebuild.

“We saw so many people riding around that we got in touch with Neuron to organise a designated drop off point outside our hotel, which guests love because e-scooters are a convenient way for them to explore the city.”

He would like to see scooter use extended.

“E-scooters have been a great addition to Darwin’s tourism experience since being introduced,” Mr Vasilakis said.

“Since Darwin is hot year-round, walking isn’t suitable so jumping on an

e-scooter is definitely preferred in the heat.”

Darwin council growth and innovation manager Josh Sattler said council was looking to extend the area where the eScooters could move to.

“It’s important for us to expand the scheme into new areas, so we can have people visiting and supporting more local businesses,” he said.

“We are also working with the government to look at a regulation change so the e-scooters can become more of a permanent fixture, without seeking exemptions for trials.”

Mr Sattler said the scooters had proven popular among many age groups while families had also been making the most of them.

“There has been a strong uptake of e-scooters among all age groups, including many who are

above 60 years old but still safely enjoying the rides,” he said.

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“Fifteen per cent of all rides have been on the recently launched ‘group rides’ feature, which allows multiple e-scooters to be unlocked with one account, so friends and family can ride together.”

Neuron’s year long eScooter trial in Darwin began on January 14.