Melbourne trials new tech to prevent e-scooter misuse

The City of Melbourne is trialling new technology aimed at preventing e-scooter riders from using footpaths and cluttering city spaces.

As part of the city’s e-scooter trial, 25 new e-scooters fitted with camera and GPS technology were rolled out last week.

“Melburnians have scooted their way past five million rides since the beginning of the e-scooter trial last year – cementing the city as a global hotspot for e-scooters and creating more ways to access thousands of businesses and activities across Melbourne,” said acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece.

“We also recognise that there has been frustration felt by members of the community about people breaking the rules and causing nuisance around the city. We have listened and we have acted.”

Riders will also face audio warnings if they break the rules, as part of a crackdown on illegal footpath and tandem riding.

Parking

The council said trial providers – Lime and Neuron Mobility – are also exploring technology to guide riders to designated e-scooter parking areas.

Through their apps, the companies are communicating with riders to direct them to designated parking zones on select streets, which the council said had reduced complaints by 55 percent.

“These improvements will help us fill the gaps in our comprehensive transport network – boosting the local economy by attracting more visitors with a fun way to get around the city swiftly and safely,” Reece added.

Other technology in development includes alcohol detection and deterrence systems, rider identification verification systems, and advanced GPS and Bluetooth technology.

Expansion

The council has also been discussing an expansion of the e-scooter scheme with other inner-Melbourne areas.

More than five million e-scooter rides have been taken since February last year – an average of almost 6,000 trips a day.

The trial has cut the city’s carbon emissions by more than 400 tonnes, according to the council, and encouraged more people to use public transport – with up to 40 percent of riders using e-scooters to connect with trains, trams and buses.