Scooters
A Case for E-Scooters on New Zealand Roads and Footpaths
The rise of e-scooters presents a unique opportunity for New Zealand to embrace a more sustainable and efficient mode of transportation. Here are compelling arguments for allowing powerful e-scooters on roads and footpaths:
1. Increased Mobility and Convenience:
2. Environmental Benefits:
3. Economic Advantages:
4. Enhanced Road Safety:
5. The Case for Road Use:
6. Shared Infrastructure Efficiency:
7. Addressing Concerns:
While there are concerns about safety and infrastructure, these can be addressed through:
In conclusion, the potential benefits of allowing powerful e-scooters on New Zealand roads and footpaths outweigh the concerns. By implementing appropriate regulations and infrastructure, we can create a safer, more sustainable, and more convenient transportation system for all.
The rise of e-scooters presents a unique opportunity for New Zealand to embrace a more sustainable and efficient mode of transportation. Here are compelling arguments for allowing powerful e-scooters on roads and footpaths:
1. Increased Mobility and Convenience:
- Efficiency: E-scooters offer a faster and more convenient alternative to walking or public transport, especially for short distances.
- Accessibility: They provide a viable transportation option for people with limited mobility or those who cannot drive.
- Last-mile solutions: E-scooters can bridge the gap between public transportation stops and destinations, improving overall accessibility.
2. Environmental Benefits:
- Reduced emissions: E-scooters are electric vehicles, producing zero tailpipe emissions and contributing to cleaner air quality.
- Reduced traffic congestion: By encouraging more people to use e-scooters for short trips, we can alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the need for cars.
3. Economic Advantages:
- Job creation: The e-scooter industry can generate jobs in areas such as manufacturing, rental services, and maintenance.
- Tourism boost: E-scooters can attract tourists and boost local economies, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
4. Enhanced Road Safety:
- Predictability: E-scooters, when used responsibly, can be more predictable than bicycles, as they move at a consistent speed.
- Improved traffic flow: Allowing e-scooters on designated paths can help improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
- Reduced pedestrian accidents: By providing a safe and efficient alternative to walking for longer distances, e-scooters can potentially reduce the number of pedestrian accidents.
5. The Case for Road Use:
- Keeping pace with traffic: Powerful e-scooters can travel at speeds comparable to slow-moving traffic, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic flow.
- Designated lanes: By creating dedicated lanes for e-scooters on roads, we can ensure their safety and minimize conflicts with other vehicles.
6. Shared Infrastructure Efficiency:
- Complementary modes of transport: E-scooters and bicycles share similar characteristics, such as being human-powered and often used for short trips.
- Optimized infrastructure: By allowing both e-scooters and bicycles to use the same infrastructure, we can maximize the efficiency of existing bike lanes and avoid duplicating infrastructure costs.
- Reduced congestion: Sharing lanes can help alleviate congestion on roads and sidewalks, making it safer for all users.
7. Addressing Concerns:
While there are concerns about safety and infrastructure, these can be addressed through:
- Comprehensive regulations: Implementing clear rules regarding e-scooter use, including speed limits, helmet requirements, and parking restrictions.
- Infrastructure improvements: Creating dedicated e-scooter paths and lanes to ensure their safe operation.
- Public education campaigns: Promoting responsible e-scooter use through public awareness campaigns.
In conclusion, the potential benefits of allowing powerful e-scooters on New Zealand roads and footpaths outweigh the concerns. By implementing appropriate regulations and infrastructure, we can create a safer, more sustainable, and more convenient transportation system for all.
What does ACC have to say about E-scooters?
"Claims spiked in 2019 and have been decreasing ever since. The data shows that New Zealanders jumped and gave it a go, rather than it being a consistent source of claims.
In 2019, e-scooter-related injury claims totalled $6.5 million.
Annual claims have decreased dramatically since then. This is a good indicator that those who are still using e-scooters are scooting more safely.
Whether you own your personal e-scooter or rent one to get around town, it’s important to look after yourself and others you share the footpath with.
"e-scooters are a convenient way to get from point A to B, and if you keep safety in mind then you’ll be more likely to stay T-side up," ACC’s Head of Injury Prevention Isaac Carlson says.
"Be a considerate rider by sharing the space, and ensure you’re putting your safety first by starting slow, and by wearing a helmet."
Initially it doesn’t look like e-scooters are worth worrying about compared to cyclists, but there is more to the story than just numbers:
Rather than having a competition for which type of transport racks up the largest claims bill from ACC, this is a good opportunity to discuss how riders can take a moment and think about what could go wrong.
To keep your wits about you and ensure you’re practicing safe scooting, follow these simple tips:
"Claims spiked in 2019 and have been decreasing ever since. The data shows that New Zealanders jumped and gave it a go, rather than it being a consistent source of claims.
In 2019, e-scooter-related injury claims totalled $6.5 million.
Annual claims have decreased dramatically since then. This is a good indicator that those who are still using e-scooters are scooting more safely.
Whether you own your personal e-scooter or rent one to get around town, it’s important to look after yourself and others you share the footpath with.
"e-scooters are a convenient way to get from point A to B, and if you keep safety in mind then you’ll be more likely to stay T-side up," ACC’s Head of Injury Prevention Isaac Carlson says.
"Be a considerate rider by sharing the space, and ensure you’re putting your safety first by starting slow, and by wearing a helmet."
Initially it doesn’t look like e-scooters are worth worrying about compared to cyclists, but there is more to the story than just numbers:
- Rentable e-scooters are limited to between 10 and 20KM/H depending on the area you’re in. Cyclists and users of privately-owned e-scooters can be travelling at the speed of vehicles when they have an accident.
- e-scooter riders are not legally required to have a helmet on. This can increase severe head-related injuries and can increase the average claim cost.
- There are more cyclists in Wellington than there are e-scooters in the entire country.
- It's not what we ride, it's how we stay safe when we're riding. Preventing injury to yourself and others when riding an e-scooter is easy by taking some simple safety steps.
Rather than having a competition for which type of transport racks up the largest claims bill from ACC, this is a good opportunity to discuss how riders can take a moment and think about what could go wrong.
To keep your wits about you and ensure you’re practicing safe scooting, follow these simple tips:
- Share the space: respect the people around you by allowing space when passing, and if on the road, follow the road rules
- Wear a helmet: it should fit nice and snug and have two fingers of space from your eyebrows. If you do fall off and have a serious knock to the body or head, see a doctor
- Start off slow: if you’ve never ridden a scooter before, get a feel for it first and find your balance before you go racing off
- Have fun: most of all, enjoy being out and about, and trying something new."
Electric Scooter Rules and Regulations
If we start with this piece from the the NZTA website regarding low-powered vehicles, we find a definition of sorts:
'Low-powered vehicles that do not require registration or a driver licence.
The following do not meet the definition of a motor vehicle or have been declared not to be a motor vehicle and you can use them without registration or a driver's licence.
E-scooters can be used on the footpath or the road – except in designated cycle lanes that are part of the road (which were designed for the sole use of cyclists).
On the footpath the user must:
On the road, e-scooters must be operated as near as practicable to the edge of the roadway. A helmet is not legally required to be worn when using an e-scooter, but is recommended.'
But then this Gazette (notice) was published (very quietly) on 18th September 2018. This was just prior to the launch of Lime Scooters in Auckland, and we feel it was perhaps lobbied by the operators of Lime to facilitate the launch (That's just our opinion, Lime, please don't sue us!):
E–SCOOTERS (DECLARATION NOT TO BE MOTOR VEHICLES) NOTICE 2018
Pursuant to section 168A(2) of the Land Transport Act 1998, and pursuant to an authority delegated to me by the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Transport Agency, I, Brandon Mainwaring, Senior Manager, Operational Policy, Planning and Performance, declare an electric scooter not to be a motor vehicle if all of the following apply:
This notice expires on 30 September 2023. Dated at Wellington this 18th day of September 2018. BRANDON MAINWARING, Senior Manager, Operational Policy, Planning and Performance, NZ Transport Agency.'
New (current) E-Scooter Declaration...
E–Scooters (Declaration Not to be Motor Vehicles) Notice 2023
Pursuant to section 168A(2) of the Land Transport Act 1998, and pursuant to an authority delegated to me by the Chief Executive of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, I, Chris Rodley, National Manager Regulatory System Design, declare an electric scooter not to be a motor vehicle if all of the following apply:
This notice expires on 30 September 2028.
Dated at Wellington this 26th day of September 2023.
CHRIS RODLEY, National Manager Regulatory System Design, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Explanatory Note
This note does not form part of the notice but is intended to indicate its general effect.
The effect of this notice is that electric scooters, that meet the criteria of the notice, are not required to meet motor vehicle technical standards, or be registered and licensed, and users are able to ride them without holding a driver licence.
If we start with this piece from the the NZTA website regarding low-powered vehicles, we find a definition of sorts:
'Low-powered vehicles that do not require registration or a driver licence.
The following do not meet the definition of a motor vehicle or have been declared not to be a motor vehicle and you can use them without registration or a driver's licence.
- Electric scooters or e-scooters. An electric scooter is designed in the style of a traditional push scooter, with a footboard, two or three wheels, a long steering handle and an electric auxiliary propulsion motor. In order to meet the requirements for a low-powered vehicle, the wheels must not exceed 355mm and the motor must have a maximum power output not exceeding 300W.
E-scooters can be used on the footpath or the road – except in designated cycle lanes that are part of the road (which were designed for the sole use of cyclists).
On the footpath the user must:
- Operate the device in a careful and considerate manner
- Operate the device at a speed that does not put other footpath users at risk
- Give way to both pedestrians and drivers of mobility devices.
On the road, e-scooters must be operated as near as practicable to the edge of the roadway. A helmet is not legally required to be worn when using an e-scooter, but is recommended.'
But then this Gazette (notice) was published (very quietly) on 18th September 2018. This was just prior to the launch of Lime Scooters in Auckland, and we feel it was perhaps lobbied by the operators of Lime to facilitate the launch (That's just our opinion, Lime, please don't sue us!):
E–SCOOTERS (DECLARATION NOT TO BE MOTOR VEHICLES) NOTICE 2018
Pursuant to section 168A(2) of the Land Transport Act 1998, and pursuant to an authority delegated to me by the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Transport Agency, I, Brandon Mainwaring, Senior Manager, Operational Policy, Planning and Performance, declare an electric scooter not to be a motor vehicle if all of the following apply:
- The electric scooter is comprised primarily of a footboard, two or three wheels, and a long steering handle;
- The electric scooter’s wheels do not exceed 355mm in diameter;
- The electric scooter has one or more electric auxiliary propulsion motors.
This notice expires on 30 September 2023. Dated at Wellington this 18th day of September 2018. BRANDON MAINWARING, Senior Manager, Operational Policy, Planning and Performance, NZ Transport Agency.'
New (current) E-Scooter Declaration...
E–Scooters (Declaration Not to be Motor Vehicles) Notice 2023
Pursuant to section 168A(2) of the Land Transport Act 1998, and pursuant to an authority delegated to me by the Chief Executive of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, I, Chris Rodley, National Manager Regulatory System Design, declare an electric scooter not to be a motor vehicle if all of the following apply:
- The electric scooter is comprised primarily of a footboard, two or three wheels, and a long steering handle;
- The electric scooter’s wheels do not exceed 355mm in diameter;
- The electric scooter has one or more electric auxiliary propulsion motors; and
- The combined maximum power output of the electric auxiliary propulsion motors does not exceed 300 Watts.
This notice expires on 30 September 2028.
Dated at Wellington this 26th day of September 2023.
CHRIS RODLEY, National Manager Regulatory System Design, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Explanatory Note
This note does not form part of the notice but is intended to indicate its general effect.
The effect of this notice is that electric scooters, that meet the criteria of the notice, are not required to meet motor vehicle technical standards, or be registered and licensed, and users are able to ride them without holding a driver licence.
E-scooters and drink driving
Apparently you cannot be charged with the offence of drink driving when on an e-scooter since it doesn't meet the requirements of a motor vehicle. It seems that the charge is 'to be in charge of a motor vehicle, on a road, with a blood or breath alcohol above the specified limit'. News article here.
Apparently you cannot be charged with the offence of drink driving when on an e-scooter since it doesn't meet the requirements of a motor vehicle. It seems that the charge is 'to be in charge of a motor vehicle, on a road, with a blood or breath alcohol above the specified limit'. News article here.
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/regulatory/e-scooter-declaration-renewal-decision/
About the e-scooter declaration
The declaration exempts e-scooters with a maximum power output of 300 watts, and that meet other criteria set out in the declaration, from being classified as motor vehicles. This means they are not required to meet motor vehicle standards or be registered when used – for example, it means that riders are not required to have a driver’s licence and e-scooters do not have to have number plates on them.
By declaring that e-scooters are not motor vehicles, it has the effect of allowing e-scooters to be used on footpaths.
However, riders are required to comply with the requirements of the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, which states that people riding an e-scooter on the footpath must:
The rule also requires people riding e-scooters on the road to remain as near as possible to the edge of the road when riding.
Why we decided to renew the declaration
We have made the decision to renew the declaration for five years, after reviewing the effectiveness and safety of e-scooters, and engagement with key stakeholders and an online public survey.
We’ve taken a range of factors into account when making this decision, to balance the contribution that e-scooters make to an effective and efficient land transport system and safety concerns.
Our overall conclusion is that e-scooters have made, and continue to make, a useful contribution to the land transport system. We have found that they are being used more across New Zealand, that they’re used more for getting from one place to another rather than just for fun, user satisfaction is high, and e-scooters can help reduce emissions.
Without a declaration in place, e-scooters would not be able to be used anywhere other than on private property.
Our review found that e-scooter safety is comparable to other modes such as cycling, however we acknowledge that there are safety concerns about e-scooters and the way they are used.
While there are mechanisms in place to ensure the safety of e-scooters, such as geo-fenced no-go and low-speed zones for rental e-scooters, we think there are areas for improvement such as lower speed limits in high pedestrian areas and use of speed limit signs.
During the next five years we plan to identify enhancements to existing systems and promote safe use of e-scooters for users and pedestrians.
The enhancements will require a co-ordinated approach between Waka Kotahi, local authorities, share-scheme e-scooter operators, the Ministry of Transport, Police, and others.
What our review found
The review included:
Safety assessment
The safety assessment identified that the greatest risk is to e-scooter riders themselves and that the risk to pedestrians is low. It also found that e-scooters sit within the same safety range as cycling and motorcycling.
While ACC claims and costs for e-scooters are lower than for other active transport modes (including bikes, skateboards and walking), there is evidence that the rate of injury per minute of travel is higher. There was less data on pedestrian injury rates, but the data reviewed shows pedestrians are significantly less likely to be hospitalised than riders.
Actual and perceived safety is important to distinguish. Stakeholder testimonies and the public survey showed a substantial number of pedestrians feeling anxious or stressed about sharing footpaths with e-scooters.
Safety assessment report [PDF, 861 KB]
Effectiveness review
The effectiveness review looked at how e-scooters are used and how often, their cost effectiveness, user satisfaction ratings and their environmental impact.
Data showed a general increase in e-scooter rentals across New Zealand. More and more, e-scooters are being used more for getting from one place to another rather than just for fun. User satisfaction with e-scooters is high. However, many users would like to see tighter regulation, and more suitable infrastructure (such as shared paths).
The review has also found that e-scooters can help reduce emissions.
Effectiveness review report [PDF, 1.5 MB]
Compliance review
The Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 sets out general rules for using e-scooters and requires riders to operate e-scooters in a careful and considerate manner, and at a speed which is not hazardous to other footpath users.
Riders must give way to pedestrians and ride as near as possible to the edge of the road when on a road. Devices must be parked considerately leaving paths clear for other users. Compliance is improving but more improvement is desired. Shared e-scooter schemes are regulated by local government through bylaws and codes of practice. The codes control their use through no-go zones which have high rates of compliance through GPS monitoring and control.
Electronic device controls on e-scooter fleets also deliver zoned speed limits. Private e-scooter users are not controlled by licensing and codes of practice, however, they are observed to exercise a greater level of ‘good’ behaviour and are more considerate around other road users.
Compliance review report [PDF, 239 KB]
Public survey and stakeholder engagement
Overall, the public survey and stakeholder feedback supported the renewal of the declaration.
Our survey received 5,644 responses. Of these, 3,666 responses supported the renewal of the declaration, and 1,577 responses wanted the declaration to lapse. The split between for and against largely reflected whether respondents were e-scooter users or not. A greater number of people who use e-scooters replied to the survey than people who do not use e-scooters.
We also engaged with stakeholders such as local authorities, e-scooter hire companies and disability and pedestrian advocacy groups. All local authorities we engaged with supported the renewal, and they were satisfied with the current settings for e-scooter operation. Advocacy groups were against the renewal, citing their membership’s concerns for pedestrian safety. They felt e-scooters are a danger to other footpath users due to their speed, hazardous parking and lack of noise as they travel.
Stakeholder engagement report [PDF, 762 KB]
About declarations
Under section 168A of the Land Transport Act 1998, Waka Kotahi can declare that a vehicle or device is not a motor vehicle. Waka Kotahi has made declarations for e-bikes, YikeBikes, and e-scooters (all with a maximum power output of 300 watts or less).
Once a vehicle/device has been declared, it is no longer required to meet certain motor vehicle standards or be registered when used. For example, people who ride e-scooters, YikeBikes or e-bikes are not required to have a driver’s licence, and devices do not need to be registered or have number plates on them.
Waka Kotahi can declare that a vehicle/device is not a motor vehicle, but only if the vehicle/device has a maximum power output of:
About the e-scooter declaration
The declaration exempts e-scooters with a maximum power output of 300 watts, and that meet other criteria set out in the declaration, from being classified as motor vehicles. This means they are not required to meet motor vehicle standards or be registered when used – for example, it means that riders are not required to have a driver’s licence and e-scooters do not have to have number plates on them.
By declaring that e-scooters are not motor vehicles, it has the effect of allowing e-scooters to be used on footpaths.
However, riders are required to comply with the requirements of the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, which states that people riding an e-scooter on the footpath must:
- operate in a careful and considerate manner (for example, if you are able to ride on a footpath with a lot of pedestrians, consider using the road or getting off the e-scooter and pushing/carrying it until there are fewer people)
- not operate the device at a speed that creates a hazard to other footpath users
- give way to pedestrians and people using mobility devices (eg, a mobility scooter).
The rule also requires people riding e-scooters on the road to remain as near as possible to the edge of the road when riding.
Why we decided to renew the declaration
We have made the decision to renew the declaration for five years, after reviewing the effectiveness and safety of e-scooters, and engagement with key stakeholders and an online public survey.
We’ve taken a range of factors into account when making this decision, to balance the contribution that e-scooters make to an effective and efficient land transport system and safety concerns.
Our overall conclusion is that e-scooters have made, and continue to make, a useful contribution to the land transport system. We have found that they are being used more across New Zealand, that they’re used more for getting from one place to another rather than just for fun, user satisfaction is high, and e-scooters can help reduce emissions.
Without a declaration in place, e-scooters would not be able to be used anywhere other than on private property.
Our review found that e-scooter safety is comparable to other modes such as cycling, however we acknowledge that there are safety concerns about e-scooters and the way they are used.
While there are mechanisms in place to ensure the safety of e-scooters, such as geo-fenced no-go and low-speed zones for rental e-scooters, we think there are areas for improvement such as lower speed limits in high pedestrian areas and use of speed limit signs.
During the next five years we plan to identify enhancements to existing systems and promote safe use of e-scooters for users and pedestrians.
The enhancements will require a co-ordinated approach between Waka Kotahi, local authorities, share-scheme e-scooter operators, the Ministry of Transport, Police, and others.
What our review found
The review included:
- a safety assessment on current measures and areas of concern
- an effectiveness review to look at e-scooter contribution to the land transport system
- a compliance and enforcement review to understand what the current systems deliver and where improvements can be made
- engagement with key stakeholders and a public survey to help inform the review.
Safety assessment
The safety assessment identified that the greatest risk is to e-scooter riders themselves and that the risk to pedestrians is low. It also found that e-scooters sit within the same safety range as cycling and motorcycling.
While ACC claims and costs for e-scooters are lower than for other active transport modes (including bikes, skateboards and walking), there is evidence that the rate of injury per minute of travel is higher. There was less data on pedestrian injury rates, but the data reviewed shows pedestrians are significantly less likely to be hospitalised than riders.
Actual and perceived safety is important to distinguish. Stakeholder testimonies and the public survey showed a substantial number of pedestrians feeling anxious or stressed about sharing footpaths with e-scooters.
Safety assessment report [PDF, 861 KB]
Effectiveness review
The effectiveness review looked at how e-scooters are used and how often, their cost effectiveness, user satisfaction ratings and their environmental impact.
Data showed a general increase in e-scooter rentals across New Zealand. More and more, e-scooters are being used more for getting from one place to another rather than just for fun. User satisfaction with e-scooters is high. However, many users would like to see tighter regulation, and more suitable infrastructure (such as shared paths).
The review has also found that e-scooters can help reduce emissions.
Effectiveness review report [PDF, 1.5 MB]
Compliance review
The Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 sets out general rules for using e-scooters and requires riders to operate e-scooters in a careful and considerate manner, and at a speed which is not hazardous to other footpath users.
Riders must give way to pedestrians and ride as near as possible to the edge of the road when on a road. Devices must be parked considerately leaving paths clear for other users. Compliance is improving but more improvement is desired. Shared e-scooter schemes are regulated by local government through bylaws and codes of practice. The codes control their use through no-go zones which have high rates of compliance through GPS monitoring and control.
Electronic device controls on e-scooter fleets also deliver zoned speed limits. Private e-scooter users are not controlled by licensing and codes of practice, however, they are observed to exercise a greater level of ‘good’ behaviour and are more considerate around other road users.
Compliance review report [PDF, 239 KB]
Public survey and stakeholder engagement
Overall, the public survey and stakeholder feedback supported the renewal of the declaration.
Our survey received 5,644 responses. Of these, 3,666 responses supported the renewal of the declaration, and 1,577 responses wanted the declaration to lapse. The split between for and against largely reflected whether respondents were e-scooter users or not. A greater number of people who use e-scooters replied to the survey than people who do not use e-scooters.
We also engaged with stakeholders such as local authorities, e-scooter hire companies and disability and pedestrian advocacy groups. All local authorities we engaged with supported the renewal, and they were satisfied with the current settings for e-scooter operation. Advocacy groups were against the renewal, citing their membership’s concerns for pedestrian safety. They felt e-scooters are a danger to other footpath users due to their speed, hazardous parking and lack of noise as they travel.
Stakeholder engagement report [PDF, 762 KB]
About declarations
Under section 168A of the Land Transport Act 1998, Waka Kotahi can declare that a vehicle or device is not a motor vehicle. Waka Kotahi has made declarations for e-bikes, YikeBikes, and e-scooters (all with a maximum power output of 300 watts or less).
Once a vehicle/device has been declared, it is no longer required to meet certain motor vehicle standards or be registered when used. For example, people who ride e-scooters, YikeBikes or e-bikes are not required to have a driver’s licence, and devices do not need to be registered or have number plates on them.
Waka Kotahi can declare that a vehicle/device is not a motor vehicle, but only if the vehicle/device has a maximum power output of:
- 300 watts or less, or
- between 301 and 600 watts.
