Melbourne takes steps to boost e-scooter safety

The council has also begun discussions with other inner-Melbourne municipalities in preparation for the possible expansion of the shared e-scooter scheme.

Melburnians have surpassed five million rides since February 2022, an average of almost 6,000 trips a day, which is reportedly one of the highest rates in the world.

The trial has also cut the city’s carbon emissions by more than 400 tonnes, and encouraged more people to use public transport, with up to 40 per cent of riders using e-scooters to connect with trains, trams and buses.

“With the help of e-scooters, we’re delivering a brighter, more sustainable future for Melbourne – keeping the city moving while dialling back transport emissions”

The shared e-scooter trial is part of a State Government programme to understand how the vehicles can be safely incorporated into the community for the long term.

“Melburnians have scooted their way past five million rides since the beginning of the e-scooter trial last year – cementing the city as a global hotspot for e-scooters and creating more ways to access thousands of businesses and activities across Melbourne,” said acting lord mayor Nicholas Reece.

“We also recognise that there has been frustration felt by members of the community about people breaking the rules and causing nuisance around the city. We have listened and we have acted.”

“These improvements will help us fill the gaps in our comprehensive transport network – boosting the local economy by attracting more visitors with a fun way to get around the city swiftly and safely.”

“With the help of e-scooters, we’re delivering a brighter, more sustainable future for Melbourne – keeping the city moving while dialling back transport emissions.”

City transport, infrastructure and operations deputy portfolio lead councillor, Davydd Griffiths, added: “We hope to see the new technology reduce footpath and tandem riding, and we look forward to working with our partners to find new and improved ways of managing e-scooter parking to keep our footpaths safe for pedestrians.”