Melbourne has become the latest major city to ban rental e-scooters, abruptly ending a trial contract with Lime and Neuron after a community-led revolt. In a six-to-four council vote on Tuesday, city authorities announced that Lime and Neuron have 30 days to remove their scooters from the city center.
Mayor Nicholas Reece, who previously served as an executive at the men’s health charity Movember, supported the decision, citing widespread public support. He criticized the scooters for being scattered around the city “like confetti,” posing a risk to the community.
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E-scooters have divided opinions globally. While supporters view them as a revolutionary mode of transportation—offering an easy, cost-effective way to navigate crowded urban areas—critics see them as dangerous street clutter, contributing to injuries and disrupting pedestrian traffic.
E-scooters have grown into a multibillion-dollar industry over the past two decades, yet Melbourne joins cities like Barcelona and Montreal in restricting or banning their use.
Research from the University of New South Wales highlights the correlation between the rise of e-scooters and an increase in related injuries, particularly among men in their late 20s to early 30s. In 2022, the Royal Melbourne Hospital reported 256 e-scooter-related injuries.
Neuron Mobility, one of the affected rental companies, criticized Melbourne’s decision as “drastic” and lacking “proper discussion.” Neuron’s local general manager, Jayden Bryant, expressed confidence in the city’s potential as an e-scooter-friendly environment and offered to implement measures addressing the council’s concerns.
Key Points:
- Melbourne Bans Rental E-Scooters: The city abruptly ended its trial contract with Lime and Neuron after a community backlash.
- Council Decision: The ban was decided by a six-to-four council vote, giving the e-scooter companies 30 days to remove their scooters from the city center.
- Mayor’s Support: Mayor Nicholas Reece backed the ban, citing public support and concerns about scooters being scattered around the city, posing safety risks.
- Global E-Scooter Debate: E-scooters are seen as a revolutionary transport option by supporters, but detractors view them as dangerous and disruptive.
- Growing Market and Safety Concerns: E-scooters have become a multibillion-dollar industry, but research links their rise to increased injuries, especially among men in their late 20s to early 30s.
- Neuron Mobility’s Response: Neuron Mobility criticized the decision as drastic and expressed willingness to address the council’s concerns if given the opportunity.
