The Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) has launched a community consultation program on whether to let electric scooters loose in the ACT.
Minister for Justice, Consumer Affairs and Road Safety, Shane Rattenbury said e-scooters had been growing in popularity across the world and trials had been run in Australia.
“Queensland is the only State that allows their use in public areas,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Currently e-scooters are not allowed on roads and road related areas in the ACT.
“We’re talking to the community about how we can safely allow their use.”
Mr Rattenbury said e-scooters had the potential to provide benefits such as reducing the number of cars on the road, helping people connect more easily to public transport and being more active.
He said he wanted to receive the community’s thoughts on questions such as the maximum speed e-scooters should be allowed to travel; where they could be ridden; and whether there should be limiting conditions on who could use e-scooters.
Mr Rattenbury said e-scooters and similar devices could provide an innovative, zero-emission transport option for people who would otherwise drive.
“These devices provide an alternative to a motor vehicle for greater mobility choice, including providing a first and last mile travel solution, as well as direct cost savings to users,” he said.
Other advantages included a reduction in pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise.
Consultation closes this Friday (19 July) and an 11-page discussion paper can be accessed at this PS News link.
