Page 1884 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 22 June 2021

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video

(5) calls on the ACT Government to enhance the e-scooter share scheme. This could include, but not be limited to:

(a) expanding the geographical coverage of the share scheme to cover more districts, including Gungahlin and Mitchell;

(b) increasing the number of permitted e-scooters in the scheme and providing more designated parking areas;

(d) continuing to run public safety campaigns to ensure that e-scooters are used in ways that promote safety for riders and all members of the community; and

(e) continually assessing the operators of the shared scheme to ensure that their offering is safe, price competitive and responsive to the needs and priorities of the Canberra community.

I call on this Assembly to expand the e-scooter share scheme throughout Canberra. I am sure every member of the Assembly agrees that Canberra is a vibrant and innovative city. We Canberrans embrace change and are excited by what new ideas can improve our city next. The introduction of the e-scooter share scheme has been an exciting way to improve our city, and it has been a success. It is almost like Canberra was built for e-scooters with wide roads and footpaths, extensive bike lanes and pedestrian zones throughout our town and city centres. Canberra has adapted smoothly to their introduction and Canberrans are on board.

Feeling the cool wind on your face while you zoom past people and buildings is a feeling many Canberrans have experienced at least once since the launch of the e-scooter share scheme. For many Canberrans the e-scooters have become a part of their daily life. The scheme has been a huge success. Canberrans have embraced this addition to our city, and now many Canberrans want the scheme expanded.

Almost two-thirds of Canberrans support the scheme and at least one-third of us have used a scooter since they were introduced. Our city’s young people have embraced the scooters more than anyone. Younger Canberrans are using the scooters to get to and from school, university and work. They are using the scooters to get to the shops, to visit friends and to go out to local hospitality venues. Young Canberrans have embraced this quick and convenient technology, which is environmentally friendly, powered by the ACT’s 100 per cent renewable energy. Younger Canberrans between the ages of 16 and 34 often report the most appealing aspect of the scooters is that they are environmentally friendly.

Working Canberrans have also embraced the scooters—31 per cent of Canberrans have said they use the scooters to get to work or a meeting. The scooters provide a quick, cheap and often more convenient option than public transport, driving or ride share. The convenience of being able to travel door to door without getting stuck in traffic or having to look for a parking spot is very appealing. And almost everyone has found it easy to find an e-scooter when they need one.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video