Melbourne Bans Rental E-Scooters Over Safety Concerns

The City of Melbourne has banned rental e-scooters operated by Lime and Neuron due to escalating safety concerns, giving the companies one month to remove their vehicles from the streets. Mayor Nicholas Reece cited numerous reports of injuries and reckless riding behaviors, including riding on footpaths and under the influence, which jeopardized public safety. The decision follows a trial period that began in February 2022, during which over 256 e-scooter-related injuries were reported, leading to growing public dissatisfaction. Despite the Victorian government's recent move to legalize shared e-scooters, the city council voted 6-4 to terminate the contracts, emphasizing a need for a 'fundamental reset' of the program. Critics of the ban argue that it undermines mobility options, advocating instead for stricter regulations. This decision aligns with a global trend where cities are reassessing their e-scooter programs amid safety and parking issues.