Lime and Neuron Mobility e-scooters will be rolled out across the cities of Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip for one year which could be extended pending the outcome of the trial.
A micromobility trial will see 1,500 e-scooters rolled out across the cities of Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip for one year. The pilot programme could be extended depending on the outcome.
Lime and Neuron Mobility will deliver the trial and rides within the three municipalities will be made possible by downloading their respective apps.
Safety emphasis
Along with applying new e-scooter vehicle standards, the Lime and Neuron report the trial will have a strong emphasis on safety, including in-built technology to promote responsible riding, and specialised training and safety messages for new users.
E-scooters will travel up to a maximum speed of 20 km/h on bicycle lanes, shared paths and low speed roads, and will not be allowed on footpaths.
Riders must adhere to most of the same rules as bike riders, including wearing a helmet and slowing down to give way to pedestrians on shared paths.
Geofencing technology will also enforce certain no-go and go-slow zones where speed limits are restricted in high-traffic shared areas and show riders where e-scooters can be parked and located.
The trial is part of the Victorian Government programme to understand how e-scooters can be safely incorporated into the community for the long term.
As a low-emission mode of transport, the trial will also see the councils take significant steps forward in achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 across the municipality.
“Yarra City Council is committed to promoting and encouraging sustainable transport options,” said City of Yarra deputy mayor councillor Edward Crossland. “Investing in modes of transport like e-scooters help to create a safer and more accessible city, and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.”
City of Port Phillip mayor Marcus Pearl added: “From less emissions and traffic congestion to an easy way of getting around, or to public transport, there are many reasons to try this accessible and cost-effective travel option.”
Transport network review
Last year, Melbourne announced an independent review had been undertaken by professional services firm Deloitte in response to community feedback to assess demands and attitudes across all modes of transport, as well as the future needs of the city.
The review confirmed through-traffic is the major culprit for peak hour congestion. With action already underway to target pinch points, it called for continuous monitoring of transport flow to help keep people moving. Findings supported the council’s work to deliver protected bike lanes and improve safety for road users, with the review anticipating bike trips to the CBD will exceed pre-pandemic levels with safer infrastructure.
“We’ve seen bike usage double outside the city since the pandemic, and we’re looking forward to testing whether e-scooters could become another safe, environmentally friendly option in the coming months,” said the lord mayor Sally Capp.
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Quelle/Source: Smart Cities World, 26.01.2022
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