A Victorian government spokesperson said the trial across the City of Melbourne,Yarra and Port Phillip council areas was given a further six-month extension this week,ahead of the expiration of the
The original trial was and was slated to only last a year.
In January,the trial with e-scooter hire companies Neuron and Lime was. In March,a further six months were added while,allowing them to join the trial.
“The trial has been successful over the winter months,but we’re keen to see it operate over an extended holiday period and in warmer weather to ensure our datasets are comprehensive,” Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said in a statement on Friday.
“The safety of all Victorian road users is our highest priority – we’re taking a considered and evidence-based approach to e-scooters in Victoria to make sure we get this right.”
Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said while e-scooters for hire under the shared rider scheme had been trialled extensively,private e-scooter usage still hadn’t been tested over summer when the vehicles were more popular.
Advocates say by conveniently filling gaps as a low-emissions alternative to cars on short journeys.
However, from illegal footpath riding at speed have fuelled safety concerns,particularly for the elderly and disabled.
Lime ANZ general manager Hugo Burt-Morris on Thursday said:“We welcome the government’s decision to prioritise micromobility and to continue supporting sustainable transport options for the community.”
The government said that during the trial so far more than 1 million people had signed up to hire e-scooters,5 million trips have been completed and more than 9 million kilometres travelled.
The 2500 hire scooters scattered across inner Melbourne can travel up to 20 km/h under the trial. All riders must wear a helmet and can travel in bike lanes and on shared paths,but cannot use the e-scooters on footpaths.
At least two people were killed in crashes involving private e-scooters in Victoria last year,and data from Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit shows more than.
Lime’s Australian boss that rider behaviour had improved since the start of the trial and the company was continuing to work towards stamping misuse out.
Burt Morris also said customers rode on the footpath illegally because Melbourne does not have enough bike lanes,and they did not feel safe being on the road.
He added the city needed dedicated parking spaces for hired and private scooters to stop them – another criticism of their use across Melbourne.
The e-scooter trial is now set to end on April 5 next year.
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