A council in New South Wales will field interest in the development of a new shared e-bike scheme, and an expected 12-month e-scooter trial currently being developed by the NSW State Government.
Wollongong City Council will open Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development of two Shared Micromobility Schemes.
The first is a shared Wollongong e-bike scheme managed by Council, while the second is a broader State Government backed e-scooter trial.
The start of the e-scooter scheme is dependent on changes to road regulations by the NSW Government, and permission from Transport for NSW to participate in the trial.
Wollongong City Council General Manager, Greg Doyle, said Council continues to work toward being at the forefront of new opportunities in transport.
“Since the NSW Government announced plans for a shared e-scooter trial, we’ve also been approached by providers keen to work with us to provide such a service in our city,’’ Mr Doyle said.
“By working through an Expressions of Interest process now, we will be ready and prepared should we be given the green light to participate in the NSW Government’s trial.
“We are working hard for our city to be at the forefront of new opportunities and changing behaviours when it comes to moving about in our city.“
Through the EOI process, shared micro-mobility providers will be tasked with providing Council with detailed documentation, including proposed trial location, safety and standards considerations, how it will affect environment and public space aesthetics, e-scooter and safety equipment specifications and information about prior experience with shared micro-mobility trials.
While no locations for the shared e-scooter trial have been decided, Council has specified that the providers should ensure there is linkage between the Crown Street Mall and the foreshore area.
Wollongong City Council Acting Lord Mayor, Cr Tania Brown, said the proposals should accommodate the broader community and ensure equity between both proponents and detractors of shared mobility services.
“I know this news will be exciting to some in our community who are champing at the bit to have easy and ready access to shared e-bikes and e-scooters,’’ Mayor Brown said.
“It also might raise the eyebrows of others who may have alternative views on e-bikes and e-scooters. We are very mindful that any successful provider will need to consider both the needs of our community, as well as visitors to the city.“
Acting Mayor Brown said the EOI was a proactive decision and remains dependent on updates to state legislation.
“We’re being proactive so that if the NSW Government updates the legislation to allow shared e-scooters, and if we’re given permission by Transport for NSW to participate in a trial, we’ve already done our due diligence, are on the front foot and ready to consider what such a trial might look like in our city,“ Mayor Brown said.
Transport for NSW will consider a range of measures to support the trial and ensure the safety of commuters.
These measures include limiting the age of use to 16 years and above, making helmets compulsory and installing speed limits of 20km/h when operating on bicycle paths or lanes, and 10km/h when in use on shared paths.
EOIs will be opened from Monday 1 August 2022 via Council’s e-tender portal, available here.
Should an appropriate e-bike provider be found, it is hoped the scheme will be operating by September.
