Hundreds of e-scooters and e-bikes are being rolled out for locals and tourists to hire, as part of an 18-month trial in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.
The trial was launched by Sunshine Coast Council’s CEO Emma Thomas and council’s e-transport partner Neuron Mobility, at Mooloolaba’s Northern Parklands on Wednesday.
Neuron Mobility has 50 per cent of its Sunshine Coast e-scooter and e-bike fleet operational, and a total of 400 e-scooters and 75 e-bikes will be available by June 30.
The micro-mobility options will be available to hire from a number of designated parking stations located throughout Mooloolaba and Maroochydore.
Neuron Mobility regional manager Tim Morris said the safe operation of e-scooters and e-bikes was a priority.
“We are delighted to be launching our e-scooters and e-bikes on the Sunshine Coast and look forward to partnering with council to deliver a safe and convenient service to help people move around Maroochydore and Mooloolaba,” he said via a council media release.
“We have worked closely with the council to set up a number of designated parking stations across the riding zone. Riders will only be able to end their trip in these stations.
“There are also a number of slow zones and no-ride zones, so we encourage riders to check the app before they start their trip and plan their journey accordingly.”
Neuron Mobility is one of Australia’s leading e-mobility share program providers with significant experience nationally and in Queensland, operating in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Townsville and Yeppoon.
Ms Thomas was one of the first locals to try out one of the e-scooters.
The CEO said the introduction of the smooth and safe e-scooters provided another simple way of moving around and was a viable choice for short journeys.
“This 18-month trial gives council the opportunity to assess if e-transport is a good fit for our region and if the community will embrace this mode of transport as an alternative for getting around the Mooloolaba and Maroochydore hubs,” she said.
“E-scooters are environmentally friendly with zero emissions, in line with council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy that aims to foster healthy, smart and creative solutions to how we live and move around the region.
“It’s a healthy, safe alternative for adults to enjoy all the Coast has to offer.
“A happy, healthy community is a council priority, and this new e-transport trial fits with our Sunshine Coast lifestyle.”
Neuron Mobility will undertake community education and awareness campaigns that educate riders on riding rules, and will hold ScootSafe events on Thursday, June 8, from 11am to 4pm in Mooloolaba (between the surf club and loo with a view) and on Saturday, June 10, from 11am to 4pm at Cotton Tree Park (between First Jetty and Cotton Tree Aquatic Centre).
Riders who visit the ScootSafe events will have the opportunity to take a short safety briefing and will be able to earn free credits for future rides.
Users will also be directed to the company’s online education platform, ScootSafe Academy, where they can complete gamified modules teaching them how to ride an e-scooter and e-bike safely.
The operator is committed to ensuring all users of Neuron electric bikes and scooters adhere to the road rules and comply with all other Department of Transport and Main Roads requirements.
The rules for e-scooter and e-bike users are:
- Neuron riders must be 16 years old and above;
- only one rider allowed per e-scooter – no tandem riding with children;
- wearing a helmet is mandatory – there is one on every e-scooter;
- do not ride under the influence of alcohol or any other substance;
- e-scooters can be ridden on footpaths and shared paths at a speed of 12km/h, unless signed otherwise;
- e-scooters can also be ridden in bike lanes on roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less, or on-road bike lanes that are physically separated;
- e-scooters can be ridden on low-speed roads with a speed limit less than 50km/h and no dividing line;
- e-scooters cannot be ridden in bike lanes on roads over 50km/h;
- maintain a safe distance between riders and pedestrians;
- always give way to pedestrians and mobility devices; and
- park responsibly in designated parking areas and ensure vehicles are parked upright.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has a full list of rules for personal mobility devices available online.
