E-scooter speed limits likely next year

A maximum footpath speed for electric scooters is being considered by the Ministry of Transport, media reports expecting it to be about 10km/h.

Its safety and mobility manager Brent Johnston says councils will be able to adjust any footpath speed limit set to suit their individual circumstances.

The ministry’s Accessible Streets regulatory package, initially due out by Christmas but delayed until early 2020, is expected to have more details, Stuff reports.

Auckland has a 15km/h speed limit in parts of the city, and ride-share scooters can be geo-fenced to restrict their speed in specific areas like downtown Auckland.

Some groups also expect the Accessible Streets package may allow e-scooters in dedicated cycle lanes.

The new rules could be in place by mid-2020.

E-scooters can be used on footpaths but the NZ Transport Agency advises riders to be careful and considerate and operate the scooters at a speed that does not put other footpath users at risk, giving way to pedestrians and drivers of mobility devices.