E-scooters expected to roll out in Launceston

Published on 09 August 2021

The City of Launceston expects e-scooters will be operating on the city's streets by the end of the year.

The Tasmanian Government has identified amendments to transport regulations that would allow electric scooters to be introduced to Tasmania.

The proposed changes to the regulatory framework would allow both commercial ‘hire and ride’ operators and private e-scooter use at certain speeds on most local roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle paths. T

o capitalise on the new regulations, the City of Launceston and City of Hobart are undertaking a joint Expressions of Interest Expressions process to find a suitable supplier and operator for a trial of 'hire and ride' e-scooter technology.

The trial would operate on an app-based, user-pays basis within defined geographical zones and with rider safety measures in place. The two Councils are currently working through the Expressions of Interest process and have asked vendors to demonstrate how they will meet community expectations in terms of safety for riders and the general public, encourage responsible riding, and incentivise responsible parking.

"We have seen some very high quality Expressions of Interest through this process, and many vendors have taken creative, data driven approaches to some of these challenges," Mayor van Zetten said.

"Micromobility devices like e-scooters are another transport option for people who don't have access to a car, or who may only need to travel a short distance to reach their destination, and we expect the popularity of these devices to boom in coming years.

"They're a lightweight and convenient transport option in many cities across the world, and they will present some exciting challenges and opportunities for Launceston."

The State Government has indicated its intention to introduce a new regulatory framework for both commercial ‘hire and ride’ operators and private e-scooter users by the end of 2021.

The City of Launceston and City of Hobart are working towards this timeframe, and expect to choose a successful vendor or vendors in coming weeks.

Ahead of this the City of Launceston has published a Frequently Asked Questions page on its website, addressing some of the most common queries about micromobility.