Hobart to Ditch E-Scooters for Safer E-Bikes

Hobart is taking a decisive step towards a safer and more orderly urban mobility landscape by phasing out shared e-scooters. The City of Hobart Council has announced its decision to remove these devices from circulation, citing persistent safety and compliance concerns that have become a significant issue for residents and the city alike.

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The shared micromobility program has demonstrated strong community interest in low emissions, convenient travel options.

This move comes after several years of the "shared micromobility program" operating in Hobart and Launceston, which initially aimed to provide low-emission, convenient travel options. While the program has shown success in reducing short car trips and cutting emissions, the proliferation of e-scooters has led to widespread complaints about inappropriate parking on footpaths and unsafe usage. These regulatory and behavioral issues have overshadowed the program's benefits, prompting the council to seek a more suitable solution.

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However, it has become clear that a mixed e-scooter and e-bike hire model is not the best fit for Hobart.

In response, Hobart will pivot to an e-bike-only model. The council views e-bikes as a more appropriate and predictable mode of transport, often used for commuting rather than recreation, leading to more compliant behavior. A tender process will soon commence to find smaller, more compact e-bikes that are better suited to Hobart's streets and public spaces. This strategic shift aligns with national and international trends where cities are increasingly favoring e-bike focused schemes for their versatility and safety profile.

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E-bikes, by contrast, are generally used as a transport mode rather than a recreational device, resulting in more predictable and compliant behaviour.

Acting Hobart Lord Mayor Dr. Zelinda Sherlock highlighted the strong community interest in sustainable travel options but acknowledged that a mixed e-scooter and e-bike model was not ideal for Hobart. The transition to e-bikes is expected to maintain the program's success in promoting sustainable transport while addressing the safety and regulatory challenges posed by e-scooters, ensuring a better experience for both residents and visitors.

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The decision aligns with broader national and international trends, with many cities increasingly favouring e-bike focused shared schemes due to their versatility, safety profile and suitability for longer trips.