More e-scooters could be zipping around Ballarat with council open to hosting a regional trial of new regulations governing where the motorised scooters can be used.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Current regulations make it illegal to ride the most commonly available e-scooters on Victoria's roads or footpaths, but the RACV is calling for the implementation of a national framework for personal mobility devices that would allow e-scooters to travel at 25km/h on most roads and shared paths and 10km/h on footpaths in every state and territory across Australia.
"The City of Ballarat would be willing to discuss a regional trial in order to inform a future protocol/framework for their operation," council said in a statement this week.
"Council is always open to improving Ballarat's integrated transport outcomes and providing alternatives to a predominantly car-based Ballarat.
"Electric powered scooters do come with challenges and, to that end, would require state guidelines and laws to ensure consistency in their operation across Victoria."
Under current regulations, e-scooters can only be ridden on footpaths, shared paths and some roads only if they have a top speed of 10kmh on level ground and a power output of no more than 200 watts, but most currently on sale exceed that.
As part of a submission sent to the National Transport Commission (NTC), the RACV claims current scooter regulation is not reflecting Australia's transport needs and has not kept pace with innovation in the transport sector.
"At RACV, we believe that devices like e-scooters have the opportunity to influence the Australian transport landscape for the better. It is imperative we update the Australian road rules to include personal mobility devices as soon as possible," said RACV's senior manager transport Peter Kartsidimas.
He said mobility devices like e-scooters could ease congestion and offer more sustainable transport options.
"There is no denying the demand for personal mobility devices is strong - our research supports that. Victorians have told us they are interested in how e-scooters might provide them with a cheaper, sustainable and more reliable form of transport. Even better, e-scooters don't take up as much space as a car which is perfect in ... congested cities."
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
