The city of Melbourne in Australia has decided to ban rental electric scooters, citing significant safety concerns. This decision marks a reversal from February 2022, when the city council had initially introduced a two-year trial for the scooters.
Since then, numerous accidents have led to public dissatisfaction and complaints. Melbourne’s mayor expressed frustration over the misuse of scooters, such as improper parking and riding on sidewalks, which has created tripping hazards.
Melbourne’s move aligns with other cities that have recently banned rental scooters after brief trials; Paris, for example, banned them last September. The city council voted 6-4 on Tuesday evening to implement the ban immediately. Scooter operators Lime and Neuron must remove their scooters within 30 days, despite having six months remaining on their contracts. The companies had been actively campaigning to keep the service, highlighting recent investments in safety measures, such as AI cameras.
A representative from Neuron criticized the council’s decision, noting that it contradicted earlier proposals for improving scooter regulation. Since the trial began, around 1,500 scooters had been in use across the city. While the scooters had reportedly reduced carbon emissions by over 400 tonnes and promoted public transport, a report from the Royal Melbourne Hospital revealed that nearly 250 scooter-related injuries were treated in 2022, with cases involving intoxication, speeding, and lack of helmets. The report also noted severe injuries, including deaths and brain damage, primarily among younger individuals.
The ban reflects growing concerns about the safety of rental scooters, despite their environmental benefits and potential for encouraging public transport use. The hospital’s findings underscored the risks associated with scooter use, including serious accidents linked to reckless behavior. As Melbourne transitions away from the scooter trial, the city faces the challenge of addressing these safety issues while balancing the advantages of eco-friendly transportation options.
The decision has sparked debate among residents and stakeholders. Some argue that better regulation and improved infrastructure could mitigate the risks, while others believe the ban is a necessary step to prevent further accidents and injuries. The outcome in Melbourne could influence other cities considering similar programs or reforms.
In response to the ban, Lime and Neuron are likely to reassess their strategies and explore alternative markets or methods to address safety concerns. The scooter-sharing industry will need to adapt and innovate to maintain public trust and ensure that such programs can be safely integrated into urban environments.
