Motorcycle Riders Association Australia wants to increase road-registered electric scooter usage
Advocates believe road-registered electric scooters offer a safer, traffic-busting solution for Hobart commuters. They want more incentives to encourage new riders. Take our poll inside >>
Tasmania
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A motorcycle advocacy group is calling on the state government and the City of Hobart to do more to encourage people to buy and use road-registered electric scooters.
One of the main things that the Motorcycle Riders Association Australia (MRAA) wants is the waiver of stamp duty on electric scooters.
In Tasmania, a waiver was applied for electric scooters between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023 – but it is no longer in place.
MRAA Spokesman Damien Codognotto wants to see it brought back.
“Electric scooters are ideal,” Mr Codognotto said.
“They’re ideal for commuting, so they are absolutely ideal for Hobart to reduce traffic congestion; they do less damage to roads.
“They’re also a lot safer than the step-on scooters because the riders have to wear a proper helmet, and they’ve got to be trained, or they can’t use them – and that can affect their car licence as well.
“And, of course, they don’t put any pollution into the air.”
The MRAA also wanted to see improved parking for electric scooters around Hobart, with Mayor Anna Reynolds saying the form of transport could positively impact the city.
“Electric motorbikes and scooters can help with Hobart’s congestion, but they’re only part of the answer,” Ms Reynolds said.
“Our Transport Strategy promotes a mix of transport options for a sustainable, less congested city.
“We’re also working to reduce emissions from our fleet, aiming for zero emissions, and exploring ways to incorporate e-bikes and other green transport options.”
Transport Minister Eric Abetz said “road-registered electric scooters play an important role”.
“Our Transport Emissions Reduction and Resilience Plan 2024-29 outlines government action to support reduced emissions in the sector, including a priority area to increase the number of low emissions cars and other light vehicles on Tasmanian roads,” Mr Abetz said.
“This includes new funding to support increased public electric vehicle fast charging around the state.”
Mr Codognotto says the MRAA gets no financial benefit from promoting Australian road-registered electric motorcycles or scooters.
His comments come in the lead-up to the Energy, Efficiency, Electric Expo 2024, which will be held at Princes Wharf 1 in Hobart between November 2 and 3.
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