NEWS (The Age): Could e-scooters be the answer to impending COVID-19 gridlock?
Article by Tom Cowie. The Age, 6 Oct 2020.
Electronic scooters could be a way to avoid gridlock when Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdown lifts, amid concerns that people will use cars rather than public transport to get around.
Victoria's road rules continue to prohibit the use of e-scooters on footpaths at speeds over 10km/h or those with a power output of more than 200 watts.
However, the prospect of increased car use due to infection fears has prompted calls for a rethink of Melbourne's transport options, including the potential legalisation of powered scooters.
Australian cities with electronic scooter-share schemes include Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin and Townsville. The scooters are unlocked with an app, with trips typically costing $1 to begin plus a fee every minute after that.
Moreland mayor Lambros Tapinos said the state government should start thinking urgently about how to get cars off the road when restrictions are eased and movement increases.
He is pushing for a trial of an electronic scooter scheme in his area, while the City of Port Phillip has also put up its hand to trial up to 500 scooters. Council elections are taking place this month.
"It's going to be really challenging to get people out of their cars, they won't want to use public transport as much," Cr Tapinos said.
"I think it would work really well in places like Brunswick, where we know congestion is caused by short trips, like people going to the shops."
While they wouldn't replace other options, Cr Tapinos said scooters could add to the mix of cars, bikes, public transport and walking.
"It works in other cities, it works in the US, it can work here," he said.
Monash University research found that public transport use is set to decline by 20 per cent from its normal level after the pandemic subsides, as infection-wary commuters desert the network in favour of their cars.
The survey of more than 2000 people found that one in five people will stop travelling into the CBD, while 9 per cent of the state’s public transport commutes would switch to car trips.