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https://theconversation.com/why-melbournes-e-scooter-ban-is-a-wrong-turn-away-from-safe-sustainable-transport-236781>
"Melbourne City Council voted to break its contracts with operators of shared
e‑scooter schemes this week, citing safety concerns. It seems these concerns
have usurped the long-term transport and environmental gains from moving
towards sustainable transport. A year ago, the city reported emissions had been
cut by 400 tonnes since trials of these e‑scooters began.
Shared e‑scooters only became available to Melburnians in early 2022. But
electric scooters have existed for more than a century. They were very popular
on public streets in the United States after motorised scooters first appeared
in 1915.
However, their use for criminal getaways soon marred their reputation. The
opportunity for a lower-emission, more equitable form of transport was lost,
until now. It could be lost again because of knee-jerk reactions to concerns
about their safety.
In fact, shared e‑scooters have safety features that individually owned ones
often lack. Shared e‑escooters cause fewer serious injuries than bicycles or
motorcycles, according to New Zealand accident compensation data. In Australia,
while there has been a rise in numbers treated in hospitals for e‑scooter
injuries, no distinction is made between shared and private e‑scooters."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
