15kmh speed limit likely for e-scooters
The Government wants to set speed limits for e-scooters as part of a raft of changes to make footpaths more pedestrian friendly.
It wants to put a speed limit of 15kmh on e-scooters and set a width limit of 75cm for other vehicles using the footpath, which would prohibit Americanstyle miniature cars.
Pedestrians and people using wheelchairs would have right of way, while people on e-scooters and ‘‘other transport devices’’ would be allowed to use cycle lanes.
The changes aren’t final but will be put out to consultation, which will end on April 21.
‘‘This package looks at how we can make our streets safer for those going from A to B, particularly young children when they are learning to ride bikes, and ensuring our road rules reflect real life,’’ Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter said.
‘‘We expect mobility scooters, including those used by people with a disability, would continue to be used on the footpath as normal, as most models available are within the 75cm width limit,’’ said Genter.
One change the Government wants to look at is whether children should be allowed to cycle on the footpath. This was in response to parents who had called for the change.
‘‘A lot of parents have called for kids to be able to cycle on the footpath so they can ride with confidence away from traffic. We want to know whether people support cycles being used on footpaths at low speeds, whether they think it should be limited only to kids under 16, or whether cycling should continue to be banned from footpaths,’’ she said.
The move is likely to disappoint some lobby groups. The Footpaths4Feet Coalition had said even 10kmh was too fast for e-scooters.
There have been concerned that e-scooters make using footpaths difficult for people with a disability, particularly the blind. A speed limit of 15kmh is already in force in a dozen parts of Auckland as part of the council’s extended trial.
Patrick Morgan, from Cycling Action Network, a pro-cycling lobby group said the proposals were ‘‘ a sensible package of rule changes, which will help to reduce risk on our streets and footpaths’’.
‘‘Unsafe overtaking is scary and dangerous. It has to stop. A safe passing law will clarify what safe passing looks like, so all drivers know what is expected.
‘‘It will provide the police a new tool to enforce safe driving.’’
Morgan was keen for the rules around cycling on footpaths to change, saying that it discouraged children from cycling.
‘‘This doesn’t make sense. It needs to change.’’