E-scooter trial set to hit Springfield streets in May
04 April 2023
A much-anticipated e-scooter trial is expected to launch in Springfield Central next month, bringing more active travel options to Ipswich.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Mayor Teresa Harding said the six-month pilot was a welcome addition to the city’s transport options.
“Residents showed strong support for an e-scooter trial when council asked for community feedback in 2021,” Mayor Harding said.
“The trial is now expected to start in May, and will be operating within Springfield Central, Spring Mountain and Springfield Lakes until November.
“Council will then reassess the pilot then.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said under the agreement, council would not be paying for the service but would incur low costs for managing compliance.
Springfield Central was selected as the ideal location for an e-scooter trial owing to its wide pathways and open parklands.
“Council is finalising an agreement with the e-scooter company selected to operate this pilot, and I’m pleased to see we’re almost ready to launch,” Cr Tully said.
“Council’s iGO Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy, adopted in 2019, sets out a roadmap for implementing new technology into our transport networks such as e-scooters.
“Across the globe, e-scooters have been readily adopted as a viable alternative to cars, and it’s exciting to see Ipswich ready to adopt this technology.”
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said the arrival of the popular mobility devices was an exciting time for Springfield Central.
“E-scooters are immensely popular in other cities not just here in Queensland, but across the globe, and I’m looking forward to them being available here in Ipswich,” Cr Jonic said.
“E-scooters can offer a quick and easy option for the ‘last mile’ between public transport and homes, a fun way to get out and about, and an alternative to car travel for short trips.
“Community safety is paramount, and council has worked with the provider according to state legislation to ensure this pilot scheme operates efficiently and safely.”
Background
- Under State legislation introduced late last year, e-scooter users must comply with relevant speed limits.
- Where there is no relevant speed signage, the default speed limits are 12km/h on footpaths, shared paths and crossings, and 25km/h on permitted local roads, bike paths and bike lanes.
- In shared zones, e-scooter riders are limited to 10km/h.
- E-scooters and personal mobility devices can ride on footpaths, shared paths, separated paths and bike paths and some local streets with a speed limit of 50kmh/h or less.
- E-scooter riders must obey most general road rules and must wear a helmet.