Getting ready to roll on an E-scooter trial

Hire a Neuron e-scooter at Fairy Meadow Beach, ride it to the gym at Beaton Park Leisure Centre, drop by the Wollongong Botanic Garden for some quiet time and then head into the CBD for some essential shopping – all this and more will be an option when Wollongong’s e-scooter trial comes online later this month.

Wollongong has been announced as the latest city to launch a dedicated e-scooter trial which is expected to run for a minimum of 12 months.

Under the trial, the Neuron-branded e-scooters will be permitted to be hired and ridden by riders 16 years and over on eligible roads and shared paths around the city. The permitted zones are geofenced meaning the e-scooters will not work outside the zones:

• include sections of the CBD
• the foreshore pathways as far north as Sandon Point
• to the west of the CBD to capture the University of Wollongong
• TAFE West Wollongong
• the Innovation Campus.

“We have worked really hard with Transport for NSW to deliver a trial zone that will allow people to really explore and use the Neuron e-scooters as an alternative transport mode and for them to be able to go about their daily business with ease,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“It was very important to us that the zones the e-scooters were permitted to be ridden in weren’t just focussed on the popular foreshore shared pathways but that they provided a realistic and viable alternative to cars and connected people to public transport.

“This trial is not a green light for privately-owned e-scooters to be ridden anywhere and anyhow. This is a trial with clear limits and requirements so make sure you’re across the detail!’’

The e-scooter trial will go live at the end of the month, and the scooters will be limited to a maximum speed of:

• 10km/h on shared pathways
• 20km/s on bike paths, or roads with speed limits up to 50km/h. E-scooters will continue not to be permitted on footpaths and only the Neuron-branded e-scooters will be allowed to be ridden. All other e-scooters will remain illegal.

“The introduction of e-scooters will provide people with another choice when it comes to leaving the car at home, and getting from A to B,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“They’re also a way for people to explore the city, whether they’re tourists or just enjoying their local area. They’re an easy mode of transport that reduce congestion and emissions on our roads, and are in line with Council’s work to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions in our city. It’s important to note that this is a trial and community feedback will be key as the rollout progresses.’’

As the e-scooters come online there will be a targeted education campaign that is being led by Transport for NSW to advise people on the road rules when it comes to using the devices.

“The introduction of e-scooters will mean that other road and shared pathway users will need to be mindful there is something new to be on the look out for. It will mean people will need to change their behaviours, or  be aware that e-scooters might be on the road,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“E-scooter riders must be over 16, must wear a helmet, remain below the speed limit and not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers must leave a distance of one metre when passing someone riding and e-scooter.’’

Wollongong City Council Acting General Manager Kerry Hunt said she appreciated that there will be community concern about the introduction of e-scooters onto the city’s shared paths and specific roads.

“We’ve worked really closely with Transport for NSW and Neuron on this trial and this collaborative focus will continue past the launch of the trial date,’’ she said.

“From 29 September, we’ll be looking closely at how the scooters are used, where they’re ridden and looking to fine-tune the trial as it runs. Once it’s launched, we’ll seek community feedback about the rollout, but at all times we’ll be asking our community to flag any safety concerns with us so that we can work with Transport for NSW and Neuron to make changes, if they’re needed.

“This trial is not something we’re looking at as a set-and-forget. It will be a live trial and will be updated and tweaked as needed.’’

The E-scooter trial will launch on 29 September 2023.

Want to read our FAQ? Visit our e-scooters page.