Speed limit tipped for e-scooters
Auckland Council looks set to embrace e-scooters but introduce measures, such as a 10km/h speed limit, to make riders and pedestrians safe. Mayor Phil Goff said Lime e-scooters have been incredibly popular with most people riding them responsibly, but there have been some cases of reckless and irresponsible use causing crashes and accident compensation claims.
Since October, Lime has put hundreds of its green electric scooters on the streets of Auckland and Christchurch where they have proven a big hit to get around town.
Under NZ Transport Authority road user rules, e-scooters can be used on the footpath, separated cycleway shared paths and on the road. Riders can’t use on-road cycleways, unless impeding road traffic.
The rules do not require e-scooter riders to wear a helmet, but NZTA strongly recommends their use.
Goff has welcomed the e-scooters as an alternative means of getting around the city, but has raised concerns with Transport Minister Phil Twyford about changing the rules to allow scooters in cycleways and the need for a speed limit.
He favours a speed limit of 10km/h. Helmets — not legally required and seen only in Lime publicity shots — could also be on the agenda. A Lime scooter can hit a top speed of 27km/h on the flat, though are reports of up to 40km/h reached downhill.
Tomorrow council officers are due to discuss and confirm approvals needed to extend Lime’s trial licence. At this stage, it is not known how long the extension will run.
In Auckland, Lime has paid the council $3326 for a licence to operate scooters for three months. The council does not receive any share any of the company’s income or profits.
In Christchurch, the council charged Lime $136 for a permit to operate up to 700 e-scooters from last October 15 to the end of February.
The decision to extend the licence rests with the council’s licensing and regulatory compliance team, in consultation with Auckland Transport.
Council chief operating officer Dean Kimpton said one consideration for extending Lime’s licence is the potential for a second operator to enter the market and provide comparison information.
The safety report sought by Goff, information from the trial, and input from NZTA, Accident Compensation Corporation and Christchurch City Council will be packaged for councillors to decide whether to continue issuing licences for e-scooter firms.
The Herald has asked Lime about its total scooter trips in Auckland and its earnings since October.
It costs $1 to unlock a scooter and 30 cents a minute to ride.