Melbourne’s e-scooter trial has been extended for a third time—by another six months—to collect more data before authorities decide whether to make the vehicles permanently available for residents.
So far, the trial has been successful over the winter months, with 1 million people already signed up, 5 million trips taken, and 9 million kilometres travelled.
“The trial has been successful over the winter months, but we’re keen to see it operate over an extended holiday period and in warmer weather to ensure our datasets are comprehensive.”
In addition, about 100,000 privately owned e-scooters are in use in Victoria, which make up another half of all e-scooter riders, alongside the popular shared scooter hire operators.
Another reason for the extension is safety issues. The existing data shows no significant safety incidents occurred during winter, but e-scooter usage and incidents tended to peak during warmer months.
Ms. Williams said that safety remains the highest priority.
“The safety of all Victorian road users is our highest priority—we’re taking a considered and evidence-based approach to e-scooters in Victoria to make sure we get this right,” Ms. Williams said.
Under current legal obligations, e-scooter riders must wear a helmet, not ride on footpaths, not carry any passengers on the scooters, including the usual no alcohol, no drug requirements for all drivers, and can travel at a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne also echoed the importance of safety for shared scheme e-scooter riders and private e-scooter riders.
“While we’ve undertaken extensive trials on e-scooters under the shared rider scheme—we’re taking the time to analyse the use of private e-scooters to ensure our roads are as safe as possible,” Ms. Horne said.
Since the local councils have the authority to give permits and approval for any e-scooter hire scheme, the Department of Transport and Planning is developing a guide for councils on how to manage e-scooter share schemes, including parking management and operator insurance requirements.
The Labor government said that it will continue to monitor and assess the use of e-scooters across the state and amend regulations whenever necessary to address any emerging problems.
Different Rules Across the States
Experts in urban mobility believe personal transport devices such as e-scooters should play an essential role as society reduces its reliance on cars and other large vehicles.However, development has been slow and intricate legally and socially, as each Australian state has its own rules and procedures.
Victoria allows e-scooters on public roads but not footpaths, whereas the ACT allows them on footpaths but not public roads. However, in Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania, e-scooter riders can ride on both.
While private companies run limited trials of rented e-scooters in most cities, it remains illegal to ride private e-scooters outside private property in New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory while other states allow you to buy your e-scooter and use it in public with few restrictions.
In terms of speed limit, in Victoria, it is a flat 20 kilometres per hour, whereas in other states, it is 25 kilometres per hour on roads or bike paths and slower on footpaths.
