The emergence of e-scooters presents both opportunities and challenges regarding their safe and harmonious integration with the existing transportation system. Traditional modes (walking, cycling, motorcycling and driving) have seen over a century of legislative, infrastructural, and educational development, but e-scooters have arrived at a pace unlike any other mode.
Key Challenges:
Regulatory Fragmentation: Existing traffic laws often lack clarity for e-scooters, leading to confusion and inconsistency in enforcement. This can compromise the safety of both riders and other road users.
Infrastructural Inadequacy: Streets designed for traditional, larger vehicles may not adequately accommodate the needs of e-scooters and other smaller, more agile modes.
Limited Data Availability: Comprehensive data on usage patterns, safety incidents, and user demographics is scarce for e-scooters. This hampers evidence-based decision-making for targeted interventions and infrastructure development.
Check out some of the work the National Transport Commission has done to help develop that roadmap:
https://www.ntc.gov.au/transport-reform/ntc-projects/Barriers-to-the-safe-use-of-innovative-vehicles-and-motorised-mobility-devices