An e-scooter trial in Tasmania could be paused for a month to assess injury and user data, gauge more feedback and consider serious changes as part of a council motion.
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City of Hobart aldermen Jeff Briscoe and Marti Zucco have put the motion forward for debate at the next council meeting on Monday, targeting the trial in the state's capital.
The e-scooter trial started over a month ago, but numerous incidents have been publicised including a collision with an elderly pedestrian.
In Hobart, four minor injuries have been reported which did not require any hospitalisations, and no serious injuries, according to a council report.
But the aldermen's motion cites ongoing community concern about the safety of the e-scooters, and whether it should be paused to consider urgent improvements.
"It has been stated that 20,000 e-scooter journeys a week have been undertaken in Hobart leading to possibly 80,000 journeys during the trial period so far. This is a sufficient data set to do a preliminary evaluation," the motion reads.
They also cite concerns about a potential increase in demand on hospital emergency departments at a time when COVID is already stretching resources, that disability and elderly advocacy groups need more of a say, and that revenue from for the operators Beam and Neuron is "commercial in confidence".
The aldermen wanted an assessment of incident data, no entry zones, speed limits, introducing formal pick-up and drop-off zones, and evidence of any reduction in vehicle congestion.
"Many cases of people inappropriately using e scooters have been reported including doubling up, vandalism, kids under 16 using them, no helmets, inappropriate speeds and other unsafe practices," the motion reads.
But the response from the City of Hobart attempted to allay concerns, stating that the council was in ongoing consultation with the government, police, active transport committee, resident associations and the access advisory committee. An "information forum for older Tasmanians" will be held next month.
It conceded there had been "teething issues" as expected, but the trial had overall been a positive for the city.
"If an e-scooter trip carried the same risks as a motor vehicle trip, one serious injury (requiring 5 days hospitalisation) would be expected to have been recorded to date in Hobart. The actual recorded number is zero," the council's response reads.
"About 50,000 people have signed up to use the e-scooters, representing a significant percentage of Hobart's population."
One of the operators has issued 112 warnings, 92 "targeted communications" and three bans.
In Launceston, six e-scooter incidents had been reported to police in the first month.
Burnie and Devonport councils are also continuing discussions regarding expanding the trial into the North-West.
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