Introduction to the media issue: Should e-scooters be legalised in Australia?
Video clip at right: On October 3, 2022, 7 News Australia televised a report on the death of a young Victorian man following an e-scooter accident.
The issue at a glance
What they said...'Lime is grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to providing an affordable, reliable, socially distant, and equitable transport mode.'
A statement on Lime Australia's website. Lime is one of the three main e-scooter hire operators in Australia
'The risks, not just for riders but for pedestrians, especially people with disability and the elderly, are obvious.'
Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore
On January 3, 2023, the Victorian government extended by two months its year-long trial of hired e-scooters in the City of Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip council areas. The trial will now end on March 31st.
After the trial, the Victorian Department of Transport will decide whether to permanently legalise the use of hire e-scooters in inner Melbourne suburbs and whether to legalise the on-road use of privately owned e-scooters. (Currently, privately owned e-scooters can only be legally used on private property.)
E-scooters' supporters argue they are cheap, convenient, pollution-free and reduce traffic congestion. Their opponents argue they are hazardous on roads and footpaths and that their supposed advantages have been overstated. This is a debate currently being had all around Australia and the world.
Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia allow e-scooters (either hired or privately owned) to be ridden on roads and footpaths. There are varying prohibitions and restrictions in the other states and territories.