Council eyes 10km/h limit on e-scooters

Auckland Council is looking to crack down on e-scooter safety and push for a speed limit, helmets and police enforcement.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said council did not want to be “the fun police” but wanted to keep people safe.

He said it was “not on” that scooters could travel at 25km/h on footpaths.

“I think there has to be a speed limit and we are looking at the initial idea of a speed limit of around 10km/h but we will listen to public feedback on that. Secondly, the police have enforcement powers for reckless and dangerous behaviour and I want to talk to the police about using those powers where people are seen acting in that way. They need to crack down on that.

“The third thing is around the use of helmets. People have different ideas about that but what we have at the moment is a glaring inconsistency. If I am riding my electric bike I am required to wear a helmet, but if I am going faster on a scooter I am not.

“Central government has that jurisdiction and they have to work through those particular issues.”

Goff said a $10,000 safety awareness campaign would include posters, signs at bus stops, and online activity. “This is not a toy. It is a means of transportation and it needs to be treated with respect,” he said.

“Current e-scooter protocol allows riders to use footpaths and people don’t legally have to wear helmets — despite the vehicles reaching speeds of up to 27km/h”.