In a significant development, New South Wales is exploring a legislative pathway to legalize the use of private e-scooters, contrasting with numerous cities globally that are opting to impose restrictions or phase them out entirely due to safety concerns.
The newly introduced E-micromobility Action Plan aims to thoroughly assess potential measures for decriminalizing the usage of private e-scooters in public areas while also investigating the possibility of extending e-scooter trials to ensure wider safety and regulatory compliance.
Additionally, states like South Australia are signaling intentions to modify existing laws, thereby permitting private e-scooters on public roads under regulated conditions.
However, major urban centers such as Melbourne, Madrid, Rome, and Paris have responded to safety fears by restricting or outright banning the use of shareable public e-scooters, a decision influenced by a series of accidents and reports of reckless riding.
Experts are emphasizing that the regulatory framework for e-scooters across Australia is both convoluted and inconsistent, leading to practical risks for both users and pedestrians alike.
E-scooter safety concerns prompt crackdown
In August, the City of Melbourne made the decisive move to terminate its shared e-scooter trial, citing overwhelming safety concerns as key factors, particularly regarding users riding on footpaths without helmets.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece labeled e-scooters as posing an “unacceptable safety risk,” reflecting the densely populated and dynamic nature of the urban environment.
“The compliance with e-scooter regulations is exceedingly poor, with far more riders violating laws than adhering to them,” he expressed to fellow councillors.
Local residents and shopkeepers voiced grievances regarding improperly parked e-scooters, which they argued created hazardous conditions for pedestrians traversing the sidewalks.
One concerned resident shared their experiences at a council meeting, stating, “I routinely have near misses because riders are on the footpaths or are running red lights while I am at a pedestrian crossing.”
Another community member noted, “They are a torment to anyone trying to use the footpath normally, especially the disabled.”
In an international context, Madrid’s officials mandated the removal of shared e-scooter units from public spaces due to the lack of effective riding and parking controls, following a similar safety pattern seen in Paris, which banned rentable e-scooters in 2023.
Are shareable and private e-scooters safe?
Narelle Howarth, a researcher from the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland, pointed out that public e-scooters are generally easier to regulate compared to their private counterparts.
Professor Howarth elaborated that public e-scooters can be designed to adhere to specific speed limits and restricted from navigating through certain areas, a capability not afforded to privately owned e-scooters.
She further noted that, “The advantage of shared e-scooters lies in the fact that their operation mandates a permit from local governments, allowing for better oversight and control.”
Nonetheless, she highlighted the intrinsic safety risks tied to inexperienced riders who often disregard helmet requirements.
Research conducted by Professor Howarth identified that individuals using shared e-scooters are significantly less likely to wear helmets compared to those utilizing private e-scooters.
The study emphasized a strong correlation between helmet use and a rider’s knowledge of, and inclination to support, existing laws.
“The risk escalates with individuals disregarding helmet laws and having limited riding experience, making accidents more likely,” she warned.
Moreover, she mentioned, “While shared e-scooter designs are advancing, their small wheels continue to be vulnerable to imperfections in the riding surfaces, heightening the possibility of accidents.”
The impact of Melbourne’s hire e-scooter ban
Professor Howarth cautioned that certain private e-scooter models pose safety issues, given their capability for high-speed operation and susceptibility to modification.
She urged federal intervention to establish regulations governing the import of private e-scooters until a comprehensive safety standard is established.
“The first step involves crafting stringent regulations for imports, which is an area where we currently fall short,” she asserted.
“Following that, state governments must implement laws dictating e-scooter speed limits and designated riding locations, accompanied by a public education campaign to raise awareness of the regulations.”
The Australian Department of Infrastructure clarified to ABC that e-scooters do not fit the legal definition of road vehicles, leading to a lack of federal regulation over their use.
E-scooter rules in Australia ‘the Wild West’
Richard Buning, a leading researcher in the field of micromobility at the University of Queensland, criticized the chaotic state of e-scooter regulations across Australia.
“The current e-scooter legislation throughout the country is incredibly fragmented; it is akin to the ‘Wild West’ in terms of regulatory consistency,” Dr. Buning stated.
He further noted, “Nomenclature itself is inconsistent, with terms varying from e-rideables to personal mobility devices across different jurisdictions.”
Private e-scooters — or personal mobility devices — enjoy legality in several states, including Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and the ACT.
In contrast, e-scooters remain illegal in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and South Australia, despite some councils conducting trials with shareable e-scooters.
For states permitting private e-scooters, the regulations governing their speed and approved riding zones vary significantly.
There are different rules for privately-owned e-scooters across the country
Dr. Buning argued that e-scooters offer a practical and eco-friendly commuting option for urban dwellers unable to rely on traditional public transport.
“For working professionals or students who find themselves without access to a car or public transport that fits their schedule, e-scooters can serve as an ideal sustainable transport solution,” he stated.
He further mentioned that tourists have embraced e-scooters for their convenience, allowing for a more enjoyable exploration of cities without navigating complex public transport systems.
“For many tourists, transportation challenges can detract from their experiences, whereas e-scooters provide the flexibility to explore a city at a leisurely pace,” Dr. Buning added.
“Typically, public transport options can be daunting and confusing for visitors,” he noted.
Can pedestrians and e-scooters co-exist?
According to Alexa Delbosc from the Monash Institute of Transport Studies, the development of dedicated infrastructure for e-scooter riders and cyclists is crucial to ensure pedestrian safety.
Dr. Delbosc argued that eliminating e-scooters from urban areas could significantly limit the transport options for residents.
“Creating safe, separated spaces for e-scooter users leads to increased utilization and reduces pedestrian conflicts,” she remarked.
“Research shows that the rate of e-scooter riders using footpaths is substantially lower in areas that offer dedicated bike lanes compared to streets lacking such facilities,” she added.
“To foster a culture of safe e-scooter riding, the establishment of designated infrastructures is essential,” she clarified.
She stressed that current traffic regulations need stronger enforcement measures to enhance compliance.
“Improved enforcement would cultivate goodwill among both the community and compliant e-scooter users,” Dr. Delbosc indicated.
“If riders perceive that they are unlikely to face penalties, they may continue to disregard pedestrian zones, highlighting the absence of adequate enforcement observed in Melbourne.”
ORf Typography_marginBottomMobileSmall__6wx7m Typography_marginBottomDesktopSmall__CboX4 Typography_bold__FqafP Typography_colourInherit__dfnUx Typography_normalise__u5o1s” data-component=”Heading”>The necessity for unified e-scooter regulations
Amidst the uneven regulatory landscape, there is a growing call for cohesive e-scooter regulations across Australia. Experts argue that establishing a uniform framework could enhance safety, providing clear guidelines for users and municipalities alike.
Professor Howarth emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among different levels of government to create a standardized model for e-scooter use, focusing on rider safety and responsible operation. This approach would help mitigate risks while promoting sustainable transport solutions.
“Regulation should serve as a tool to not only ensure safety but also to foster public trust in e-scooter systems,” she explained. ”When riders know what is expected of them and feel secure, usage is more likely to be embraced as a legitimate option.”
Dr. Buning echoed these sentiments, advocating for collaboration among states to develop a national safety standard. He suggested that such an initiative would streamline rules and help educate the public about safe riding practices.
“By harmonizing regulations, we can create an ecosystem that supports micromobility without sacrificing safety,” Dr. Buning stated. “This can lead to an increase in e-scooter adoption, benefiting both commuters and the urban environment.”
Future outlook for e-scooter policies
As cities and communities continue to grapple with the implications of e-scooter use, the future of e-scooter policies will likely hinge on comprehensive research, collaborative policymaking, and public engagement. Efforts to promote safe riding, enforce regulations, and educate users could pave the way for a balanced approach to e-scooter integration into urban mobility.