Personal e-scooters,like this one,will no longer be illegal from April 5.Credit:Scott McNaughton
Victoria classifies privately owned e-scooters as unregistered vehicles and riding them in public can attract a fine of up to $925. But Horne will announce that the devices,which are already widely sold by major retailers,will be allowed on public roads from April 5 under the expanded trial.
“We know e-scooters are popular with many Victorians – so we’re extending the trial in Victoria under these strict regulations to ensure people travel responsibly and safely,” Horne said in a statement.
Advocates say e-scooters can play a positive role in Melbourne’s transport landscape by providing a low-emissions alternative to cars on short journeys,and fill gaps in the public transport network.
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But the Lime and Neuron trial has been marred by illegal footpath riding anddumped scooters blocking walkways,which critics say endangers pedestrians – particularly the elderly and disabled.
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 than400 people admitted to hospital in 2021/22.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force had “only just been provided detail about the extension” of the trial and “will now take the time to understand the changes”.