Lime and Neuron Mobility to support e-scooter trials in four Australian cities

Credit: City of Melbourne

From 1 February 2022, 1,500 e-scooters will be launched across the City of Melbourne, City of Yarra and City of Port Phillip for one year, as part of a state government programme to understand how the devices can be safely incorporated into the transport network.

Furthermore, the City of Ballarat will also be running a 12-month e-scooter trial programme.

Two of Australia’s leading micro-mobility operators, Lime and Neuron Mobility, will be operating the trial, providing residents and visitors with another safe, accessible, eco-friendly and cost-effective way to travel.

According to new vehicle standards, e-scooters can travel up to a maximum speed of 20 km/h on bicycle lanes, shared paths and low speed roads, and they will not be allowed on footpaths. 

Additionally, the Lime and Neuron e-scooter trial will have a strong emphasis on safety – with built-in technology to promote responsible riding, and specialised training and safety messages for new users. Riders will be required to adhere to most of the same rules as bike riders, including wearing a helmet and slowing down to give way to pedestrians on shared paths. 

Furthermore, geofencing technology will also be used to enforce certain ‘no go’ and ‘go slow’ zones, where speed limits are restricted in high-traffic shared areas, and to show riders where e-scooters can be parked and located.