To promote safer conditions for all road users, an extension to the ongoing e-scooter trial has been announced by the relevant authorities. The six-month extension will allow additional safety protocols and regulatory measures to be explored before permanent guidelines are finalised later this year, ensuring improved safety standards for e-scooter riders.
During the trial period, e-scooters have become increasingly popular with Victorians, particularly shift workers, with more than eight million trips recorded. This significant uptake demonstrates the success of the public hire scheme and positions it as one of the world's leading initiatives in this area.
While the majority of e-scooter users are behaving responsibly, data analysis from the trial period indicates the need for further improvements in compliance and safety measures. The government is therefore actively considering additional measures to increase awareness and compliance with e-scooter regulations. During this transition period, existing regulations will remain in place.
As part of these efforts, an updated education campaign will be implemented in all trial areas, emphasising safe riding practices, helmet use and proper e-scooter parking protocols.
Key regulations include prohibiting e-scooter usage on footpaths, mandating helmet usage, restricting riders to ages 16 and above, prohibiting passengers, and forbidding riding under the influence. Additionally, e-scooters are limited to a maximum speed of 20km/h and should only traverse roads with speed limits of 60km/h or lower.
Survey data from e-scooter operators indicates that a significant portion of trips, particularly in metropolitan areas and Ballarat, replace vehicle journeys, thereby contributing to traffic decongestion and emission reduction efforts.
It's important to note that share hire e-scooters are permitted only in councils that have established agreements with operators. The government remains committed to assisting councils opting for share hire schemes by providing guidance on best practices, including parking management and insurance requirements for operators.
The current trial extension will conclude on October 4.