Electronic scooter rental test set for Melbourne debut
Melbourne, Australia, is set to witness a new chapter in its transport network with the commencement of a year-long trial for electric scooter rentals by Lime and Neuron Mobility. The trial, beginning on February 1, 2022, will see 1,500 electric scooters available for hire across Melbourne, Yarra, and Port Phillip municipalities [1].
The trial is part of the National Transport Commission's review into the safe use of personal mobility devices and aims to gather data to understand how e-scooters could be safely incorporated into Melbourne's transport network long-term [1]. The City Council has implemented stringent regulations to ensure the safety and efficiency of the trial, with a focus on balancing the availability of micro-mobility options and pedestrian health and safety.
Key regulations during the trial include:
- Riders must be over the age of 18 to book an electric scooter.
- Electric scooters can be ridden on bikeways, shared paths, and roads with a speed limit up to 50km/h.
- Riders are required to wear a helmet during the ride, as with regular bike riders.
- Riders must comply with traffic signals and street signs and adhere to speed limits and rules against reckless riding.
- Electric scooters and dockless devices are not to obstruct sidewalks or public spaces.
- Enforcement actions target not only safety violations but also related nuisances, such as blocking pathways, noise, and criminal activities.
The City Council has approved ordinances in 2021 enhancing enforcement provisions and prohibiting the use of public right-of-way (ROW) for rental goods/services, affecting the operations of Lime and Neuron during the trial [1]. Riding electric scooters outside of approved areas in Melbourne results in a $182 fine.
Using a private scooter in Melbourne can result in an $826 fine for riding an unregistered vehicle. Drink or drug-driving restrictions apply to e-scooter riders, with the regular 0.05 alcohol rule applying to all riders, but learner and provisional license-holders must be 0.00. The e-scooters use an app-controlled "helmet lock" to secure a helmet to the vehicle.
The trial has garnered support from Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, and the RACV, who view it as another form of sustainable mobility solution for Melbourne. For a full list of regulations and penalties that apply to e-scooter riders, visit the VicRoads website.
The electric scooter trial in Melbourne offers a new way to navigate the city and explore its attractions. With the trial set to run for a year, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a more sustainable and accessible transport option in Melbourne.
[1] - Source: City of Melbourne, VicRoads, National Transport Commission.
- The trial for electric scooter rentals in Melbourne is part of a broader review by the National Transport Commission, aiming to investigate the safe integration of e-scooters into the city's transport network.
- To ensure the safety and efficiency of the trial, the City Council has implemented stringent regulations, including age restriction, helmet usage, and adherence to traffic rules.
- In addition to safety regulations, the trial regulates the use of public spaces, prohibiting electric scooters from obstructing sidewalks and public areas.
- Violations of these regulations can lead to fines, with riding electric scooters outside of approved areas resulting in a $182 penalty, while riding an unregistered scooter in Melbourne incurs an $826 fine.
