Released 25/06/2019
Minister for Road Safety Shane Rattenbury today launched a discussion paper seeking the Canberra community's views on how to facilitate the safe use of electronic scooters (e-scooters) and similar devices in the ACT.
The ACT Government is committed to providing more options for viable and sustainable transport for the community, without compromising road safety.
"E-scooter use has increased globally, particularly via rideshare operators, and we have seen trials of these devices pop up throughout Australia," Minister Rattenbury said today.
"E-scooters and similar devices are currently not permitted to be used in public areas in the ACT – however people are keen to use these new types of personal transportation devices. We need to make sure our regulations keep pace with these new technologies.
"E-scooters and the like are an interesting new means of transportation that could help people be more mobile in a sustainable way, that can also be fun.
"Importantly, transport options like e-scooters can help people avoid car trips, connect to public transport, and be more active. They can provide benefits for the environment such as reducing pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise.
"It is important that e-scooters and similar devices are appropriately regulated to ensure they are used safely and that we minimise the potential for injuries or other conflicts.
"Over the next few weeks the Government is seeking community feedback on how we can facilitate the safe use of electric scooters and similar devices in the ACT, while making sure we don't compromise road safety."
We are particularly interested in community views on:
- the maximum speed the devices should be able to travel
- what areas it is appropriate for these devices to travel on,
- whether these should be taken onto public transport,
- whether there should be a limitation on who may use these devices.
A separate exercise will be undertaken to develop a legislative framework for commercial operators of dockless share schemes for e-scooters and bikes. This will seek to build on the ACT bike share trial which was very successful in protecting the public realm and avoiding the experience of other cities.
Consultation will run for four weeks, and submissions are invited at: www.yoursay.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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