Lord Mayoral candidate Arron Wood is calling for tougher e-scooter regulations in the City of Melbourne.
It comes as Town Hall unveiled its Report to the Future Melbourne Committee on Share Hire E-Scooters ahead of a Council meeting next week.
As opposed to Town Hall’s proposal - Wood’s reforms put safety and accountability front and centre, aiming to protect both pedestrians and riders while maintaining the city’s commitment to sustainable transport options.
“Melbourne's streets are becoming increasingly dangerous for pedestrians, and the current mayor has done nothing to fix it,” Wood said. “We need to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that e-scooters are used safely and responsibly.”
Wood’s plan includes mandating advanced safety technology on all e-scooters. If elected, he will immediately update contracts with micromobility providers, requiring cameras to prevent footpath use, pedestrian detection tech to avoid collisions, and helmet sensors that disable scooters if not worn. Additionally, “dashcam” recordings will be used to track and investigate incidents of misuse – and repeat offenders would face a 12-month ban.
To protect pedestrians, the elderly and people with disabilities, e-scooters would also be banned in the Hoddle Grid and speed limits would be reduced to 12 km/hr.
Stricter penalties would also be enforced against operators who don’t enforce safe riding.
Operators would be required to remove broken or fallen scooters sooner, preventing hazards and eyesores. Geofencing technology would also be implemented to keep e-scooters out of high-risk zones.
To address safety concerns with inexperienced riders, Wood announced, if elected, there would be a restriction on using e-scooters after dark until a rider has completed at least three rides. This measure ensures inexperienced users aren’t putting anyone at risk in low-visibility conditions.
“Safety is non-negotiable, and the inaction from the current leadership at Town Hall is putting lives at risk,” Wood stated. “These measures will ensure that e-scooters remain a viable and safe mode of transport in Melbourne, but they must be used responsibly. Our city deserves nothing less.”
Private commuter scooters will continue to be permitted, recognising that their riders typically have more experience and tend to use them for longer, more purposeful journeys.
E-scooters are just one part of Melbourne's diverse transport mix, which includes the world’s largest tram network, a significant free tram zone, and a highly walkable urban environment that promotes both health and economic benefits. Additionally, Melbourne boasts the highest per capita private bike ownership in the world, further underscoring the city’s commitment to a variety of sustainable transport options.
Arron Wood’s plan represents a major shift in the city’s approach to e-scooters, putting the safety of all Melburnians and visitors first while holding operators accountable for high standards.
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