The Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate is to roll out the shared e-scooter scheme to all Canberra town centres by the end of 2022.
Announced by Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel, the move follows recommendations from and independent review of the scheme, released in July, and positive community feedback.
“A large majority of Canberrans have welcomed e-scooters as another useful transport option, and we’ve heard the feedback that people would like to see them available outside of the current pilot zones in central Canberra and Belconnen,” Mr Steel said.
“Scooters can be a fun, accessible and environmentally-friendly transport option,” he said.
“However, the review has highlighted that there is more work to do to integrate scooters with public transport journeys and promote sustainable travel.”
Mr Steel said the Directorate would explore a phased expansion of the e-scooter scheme with the first stage expected to connect the two existing zones of central Canberra and Belconnen, before expanding to Gungahlin and Woden, then on to Tuggeranong, Weston Creek and Molonglo.
The Minister said planning for the expansion would include working with e-scooter operators to connect the two town centres via Canberra’s shared path network and the use of geo-fencing technology so people could move between regions safely without using major arterial roads.
“As we work to expand the shared e-scooter scheme, we will be working with local communities to match the roll-out to their needs,” he said.
“This will include better understanding the kinds of trips people want to make, and what tailored safety measures may be needed in different regions of Canberra.”
He said the Directorate was working with e-scooter operators to improve the safety and operation of the current scheme ahead of its proposed expansion.
“We see the expansion of the scheme as an opportunity to provide an alternative form of travel for Canberrans, together with public transport, during the upcoming disruption associated with the construction of major infrastructure projects,” Mr Steel said.
