Why e-scooters are fast becoming the Cairns transport of choice

On the Esplanade and in the suburbs, there’s an e-transport revolution that’s fun, functional and cheaper than coughing up more than $2 a litre at the bowser.

ON THE Esplanade and in the suburbs electric bikes and scooters are at the forefront of a Far North e-transport revolution that’s fun, functional and cheaper than coughing up $2 a litre at the bowser.

An industry catering to the supply and service of electric bikes, scooters and skateboards has boomed almost overnight throughout Cairns despite local government’s reluctance to get on board.

Setting up on Mulgrave Rd in June last year, UrbanWheelz is doing a roaring trade selling bikes, scooters, boards, skates, protective gear and accessories from their Mulgrave Rd outlet.

Five-year-old Clarke Williams and three-year-old sister Dillyn inspect the e-bikes at Urban Wheelz. Picture: Brian Cassey

Store co-owner Laura Ellery said portability made scooters their best-selling electric device and constantly improving technology made them a real long distance option for commuters.

“We have people coming from Gordonvale to the city centre and using e-scooters for their main transport,” she said.

“The technology is constantly improving all the time, the range on some of our scooters is 130km and a lot of scooters have built-in apps to personalise it to your comfort level.”

Though improving technology has been one factor in the sudden popularity rise, Ms Ellery said local availability, servicing and accessory supply had been the key reason behind the Cairns uptake.

“One of the bigger factors in sales in Cairns is the availability, most scooters are about $1000 which is a big purchase to make on the internet,” she said.

“There has been a big uptake and knowing that you can get one with warranty and service has improved sales.”

Dikshya Gurung rides her e-scooter on the Cairns Esplanade at the weekend. Picture: Brian Cassey

Visiting Cairns at the weekend from Cooktown, Susan Cummings checked out e-powered balance bikes for her two children at UrbanWheelz.

She was looking at spending up to $1000 on two 16-inch wheeled balance bikes.

“In the future it would be less money in maintenance than a petrol bike and them being able to ride around the street is handy and there’s no noise,” she said.

“It’s just a bit of fun for them, we are not big motocross people and my husband has his eye on an e-scooter himself and it’s something they can do together.”

Beam plans to roll out its scooter in Port Douglas. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Cairns Regional Council has been reluctant to back an electric scooter hire trial after a Lime proposal to operate in the CBD was knocked back in 2019.

However trial of e-transport solutions further north by multinational firm Beam last year was welcomed by Port Douglas Mayor Michael Kerr.

He believed there should be limits on where they could operate.

Like other vehicles, there are rules to keep in mind before getting on to your e-scooters for a ride on Queensland roads.

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Originally published as Why e-scooters are fast becoming the Cairns transport of choice