Published on Tuesday, 29 October 2024 at 5:03:02 PM
After extending the trial of hireable e-scooters in the City of Busselton, the Council has now made the decision to allow them to stay.
The City received further community feedback about some improvement measures that were implemented as part of the extension through a second survey undertaken in September 2024. This survey attracted 185 responses and the responses were considered by the Council when making the decision at its October 2024 meeting. This latest decision will require the operator to ensure a far tighter management model be put in place to address the concerns raised by the community during the trial.
Mayor Phill Cronin said: “The trial was a really good opportunity to see how hireable e-scooters might work within our unique coastal city and through the trial we heard about a number of issues that arose and needed addressing.”
“The Council’s decision will require the operator to pay the City a commercial fee to operate in public places. In addition, a far tighter management approach will now form part of any agreement in place to prevent or very quickly resolve issues, particularly relating to parking, helmet litter and abandoned e-scooters.”
Data provided by operator Neuron in October 2024, showed an increase in the number of e-scooter journeys being made. Anecdotal evidence provided to the Council also confirmed that some local businesses support the provision of hireable e-scooters to enable their staff to travel to and from work.
The maximum speeds were slowed in certain locations during the trial’s extension where this was reported as being of concern by members of the community. No go zones, parking stations and response times are some of the other approaches implemented to address concerns raised by community members.
Neuron have an online ScootSafe Academy to educate and promote rider safety. Riders can access fun, interactive rider education content developed with national road safety partners. They continue to conduct ‘Scoot Safe’ workshops both in Busselton and Dunsborough during road safety campaigns.
While the continuation of hireable e-scooters across the city has now been given Council’s endorsement, it should be noted that Council does not have any control over privately owned e-scooters. All riders are subject to the various road rules already in place. The City encourages riders to learn the rules that keep riders and other road or pathway users safe.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Opportunity – We have a vibrant and growing economy with diverse opportunities for everyone to learn, work and flourish.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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