E-scooter safety campaign launched

A $250,000 campaign to improve electric scooter safety has been launched by the NZ Transport Agency.

Urging riders to use e-scooters safely, with a focus on safe speeds, giving way to other footpath users and wearing helmets, the campaign uses street posters, bus shelters, footpath decals, posters and neck tags on scooters in e-scooter hire and retail outlets, as well as social media.

E-scooter use is growing in New Zealand towns and cities, with many city councils running trials with licensed operators.

The Ministry of Transport is leading work to develop a regulatory package called ‘Accessible Streets’ to improve safety and accessibility for those using the footpath and to encourage more people to use active transport. As part of this work the MoT is considering what and how different vehicles, including e-scooters, should be used on footpaths, shared paths and cycle paths. Lessons from e-scooter trials will be incorporated, with new regulations likely to be introduced in 2020.

Meanwhile, it’s important people understand their obligations under present transport law, and the new campaign aims to encourage the safe and considerate use of e-scooters, the NZTA says.

Key messages for e-scooter users include giving way to pedestrians and other footpath users, not riding at a speed hazardous to themselves or others and wearing a helmet.

Visit www.nzta.govt.nz/e-scooter-advertising or www.nzta.govt.nz/low-powered-vehicles for more information.