E-scooters: Coming soon to a footpath near you
E-scooters have been described as a “congestion-busting transport alternative” – and they could soon be coming to a footpath near you.
Tasmania
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E-scooters could hit Tasmanian streets by summer thanks to planned legislation amendments, according to the state’s Transport Minister.
Described as a “cost-effective, low-pollution, congestion-busting transport alternative”, the government expects their introduction to the transport mix will ease traffic woes in major centres.
“E-scooters and other personal mobility devices such as e-skateboards and ‘hoverboards’ will soon be allowed to be used by both commercial ‘hire and ride’ operators and private users on footpaths, shared paths and local roads,” Michael Ferguson said.
The amendment adds Tasmania to a growing list of Australian states and territories since Brisbane implemented electric Lime scooters in 2018.
“Under the current regulatory framework, e-scooters with a maximum power output of more than 200 watts are classified as motor vehicles and are not permitted on any public street, road, footpath, shared path or open public space,” Mr Ferguson said.
“This means that most e-scooters now on the market cannot legally be used for transport.
“The Tasmanian government has identified amendments to the regulations required to allow these modern e-scooters to be used at certain speeds on most local roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle paths and will work with stakeholders, including local government, on their formalisation and adoption.”
Once legalised, anyone 16 or older will be able to use an e-scooter as long as they wear a helmet and comply with all road rules, including speed limits.
The government said they will not be able to be used on main roads or highways.
“Users should also only use these devices in the public areas if they can do so safely and responsibly, and they need to be aware that they may be held liable if they injure someone, damage property or cause a crash when using an e-scooter in a public place,” Mr Ferguson said.
Global transportation company, Superpedestrian, announced in late June it will be applying to launch an e-scooter sharing program in Launceston and Hobart.
Launceston and Hobart councils also proposed a 12-month trial of a point-to-point hire option pending the outcome of an expression of interest seeking a suitable supplier and operator.
The state’s leading motoring body welcomed the news of potential amendments.
RACT chief advocacy officer Garry Bailey described the development as a “valuable addition to the transport mix which was needed to solve Hobart’s traffic woes”.
The government plans to launch a public education campaign on the legal and safe use of e-scooters to be rolled out once the amendments take effect.
E-scooters could land in Tassie by year’s end
BY the end of the year, locals and tourists alike could have the option to scoot around the state’s two biggest cities in an environmentally friendly new transport option.
The City of Hobart and City of Launceston councils will launch an expressions of interest process in the coming weeks for user-pays, app-based electric scooters.
Pending the outcome of the EOI, the two cities would start a 12-month trial of e-scooter use.
“Electric scooters are convenient, compact, environmentally friendly and don’t contribute to the growing congestion on our roads,” Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“The most effective way to bust congestion is to provide more transport choices. Scooters may be useful for people who need to move around the city during the day but could otherwise leave their car at home, or commuters who live close to the city.
“It’s also a fun and easy way for tourists to move around and would contribute to the overall experience of Hobart and Launceston.”
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said e-scooters had proved successful in other Australian capital cities.
“In Brisbane, there are two operators who have reported around 5000 trips a day combined,” Cr van Zetten said.
“There will need to be some controls around how they are operated and where they can be parked.
“There will be the opportunity to apply exclusion zones for safety and amenity and we’ll be looking for feedback from the broader community.”
The joint councils announcement came the same day Premier Peter Gutwein announced a re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government would review regulatory framework for e-scooters.
Currently, electric devices with a power output of more than 200 watts are considered motor vehicles and therefore not allowed on footpaths and shared paths – nor are they eligible to be registered for use on roads.
“Within 60 days of being re-elected, we’ll identify the amendments required to safely permit e-scooters and other types of personal mobility devices,” Mr Gutwein said.
“This will make them lawful to be used on certain types of public infrastructure.”
Regional manager of e-scooter operator Neuron Mobility, Richard Hannah, welcomed the announcements.
“We know from other Australian cities that e-scooters encourage more people to get out and support small businesses including cafes and restaurants, providing a welcome boost for the local economy,” he said.
Do you like the idea of e-scooters in Hobart and Launceston? Join the conversation in the comments section below.
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