Group of e-scooters.

The next step in reducing congestion

We know that many Tasmanians are not keen on taking the bus or riding a bike to and from work.

They tell us that bus stops are too far to walk, buses are too infrequent and, for many, the journey just takes too long.

But now, we’re witnessing a transport shift in Tasmania that will improve first and last-mile connections to and from public transport.

The key to this shift? Personal mobility devices (PMD), such as e-scooters, e-skateboards and segways, which are powered by a small, chargeable electric motor similar to e-bikes*.

This is because PMDs can help to reduce congestion by allowing people to ride to public transport or to work at distances where they wouldn’t normally walk or cycle.

What are the State and Federal governments doing to allow PMDs in Tasmania?

The Federal Government has finalised amendments to the Australian Road Rules (ARR) to include a model framework* for the regulation of PMDs, including e-scooters. It is up to each state and territory whether they introduce the new rules as written or with changes.

During the 2021 Election, the State Government made a commitment, within 60 days of being elected, to identify what regulatory and/or legislative changes are needed to safely allow e-scooters and other PMDs in Tasmania.

Some of the laws set for PMDs, as outlined by the model framework in the ARRs, state that people using these devices:

  • Can't go faster than 15 km/h on footpaths and 25km/h on shared paths, bicycle paths and roads

  • Can ride on bicycle paths and roads that have a speed limit of no more than 50km/h

  • Can ride on footpaths or shared paths but must keep to the left of and give way to pedestrians

  • Can't ride on pedestrian-only paths       

  • Can't be towed behind a vehicle or be within 2 metres of a moving car

  • Can't tow other objects or carry people/animals         

  • Must wear a helmet

  • Must keep to the left of other PMD devices or cyclists       

  • Can only use a PMD at night or in hazardous weather with white front and red rear lights, as well as a red reflector

We have been kept well informed about this process and fully support the implementation of e-scooters and other PMDs in Tasmania to reduce congestion.

What about sharing schemes?

In parallel to the government's legislative process, the City of Hobart and City of Launceston selected two operators (Beam and Neuron) to run a 12-month e-scooter share scheme trial by the end of 2021.

It's a user-pays, app-based scheme where people can hire these e-scooters from key locations within geographical zones.

The trials have now concluded in Hobart and Launceston. You can view the full reports on these trials from both cities here:

City of Hobart Micromobility (e-scooter) Trial

City of Launceston e-scooter Trial Evaluation Report 

*This model framework excludes e-bikes, which are covered by the Tasmanian Road Rules and the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999.