A two-year trial is to be introduced in Perth to allow the city public to hire e-scooters from more than 80 sites.
Announced by the Lord Mayor of Perth, Basil Zempilas, the aim of the trial will be to offer another mode of transport around in the City.
“We keep sustainability front-of-mind in everything we do and having an e-scooter share scheme will allow our visitors, residents and workers to opt for a more environmentally-friendly transport alternative to get around City streets,” Mr Zempilas said.
He said the City had selected two e-scooter providers for the trial, Bird and Neuron Mobility (Australia).
“Having two competing companies as part of the scheme will ensure e-scooter users within the City are getting the best value for money,” Mr Zempilas said.
“Both brands of e-scooters are fitted with geo-fencing technology, keeping the devices within the City of Perth Local Government area.”
He said the same technology would also stop the devices from being used in the Murray and Hay Street Malls and Forrest Place.
“Unlike e-scooter trials in other major Australian cities, e-scooters in the Perth trial will have an additional safety feature to keep them parked where they belong,” Mr Zempilas said.
“Riders in the City will have to return their e-scooters to one of our designated parking spots; they will not be able to end their trip outside of these locations.”
He said this would make finding an e-scooter easier for riders and would also ensure e-scooters were less likely to be parked in locations that impacted pedestrians.
He said that after the two years trial, the City will evaluate the success of the scheme.
