BESIDES pedestrians, bicycles, and the odd pram and skateboard, the north’s popular beach-front shared pathway between Sandon Point, Bulli and Wollongong is about to get a little busier later this month when a trial of ‘e-scooters’ comes online.

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, Bulli
• to the west of the CBD to capture the University of Wollongong
• TAFE West Wollongong
• the Innovation Campus, Fairy Meadow

NSW Minister for Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park said Wollongong boasts an array of shared paths around its CBD and along the coast.

“It is already a great place to get out and walk or bike ride and adding an extra option that is easy and sustainable will be a great addition for locals and tourists to explore our city,” he said.

“With this new mode of transport hitting pavements, we want to remind everyone to keep an extra eye out for e-scooters, check your blind spot regularly and leave a minimum distance of 1 metre when passing someone riding an e-scooter.”

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said Council have worked with Transport for NSW to deliver a trial zone that will allow people to explore and use the Neuron e-scooters as an alternative transport mode.

“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,” Cr Bradbery said.

“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:

• 10kmh on shared pathways
• 20kms on bike paths, or roads with speed limits up to 50kmh. 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 Council’s FAQ? Visit their e-scooters page.

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