The New South Wales government has announced plans to legalize e-scooters in the state, with regulations closely following the trial rules currently in place in Victoria. The proposed rules suggest that e-scooters be limited to roads with speed limits under 50km/h and be restricted to a 20km/h speed limit. On shared use paths, a 10-20km/h limit is proposed, and riders must be at least 16 years old.
Key Statistics and Implications
The announcement included data showing that 47% of e-scooter trips are connecting to public transport, while 35% of trips in cities and 45% in regional areas are displacing car trips. These figures are considered high by global standards and are seen as positive for decarbonizing mobility.
E-scooters have faced negative press due to safety concerns, including injuries and deaths caused by irresponsible riding, often involving intoxication. The legalization and regulation of e-scooters are expected to help address these issues. The NSW government is also focusing on applying rigorous product safety standards to e-scooters, enabling consumers to make informed choices and allowing for the prosecution of irresponsible suppliers.
The Role of E-Scooters in Sustainable Transport
The goal of achieving zero emissions in Australia cannot be met by simply substituting internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles. Changing behavior to favor active transport, micro-mobility, and public transport is crucial for reducing the climate impact of mobility, congestion, and improving air quality and public health. In sprawling cities, e-scooters, along with bicycles and walking, have a significant role to play not only in personal transportation but also in logistics, powering food delivery and e-commerce.
As part of a personal trial, the author has been using a Segway e-scooter, providing insights into the potential of e-scooters in decarbonizing the mobility ecosystem. Ed Lynch-Bell, Principal at Second Mouse, is dedicated to building more sustainable energy tech and mobility products, services, and businesses, and is also a co-host of the Melbourne and Sydney EV Meet-ups.
