Following a 12-month trial, Rockhampton Regional Council has assessed and evaluated the economic, environment and social impacts of E-Scooters and decided to adopt them permanently.
To date over 25,000 riders have used the Neuron E-Scooters, travelling over 410,000km with approximately 176,000 trips taken.
Rockhampton Regional Mayor, Tony Williams, has welcomed the announcement, with the 300 Neuron E-Scooters offering a safe, sustainable, affordable, and convenient transport option for both residents and visitors.
“With a Ride Zone covering our iconic attractions including the Rockhampton Museum of Art, The Botanic Gardens and Zoo, the Visitor Information Centre and Riverside Precinct, our city is even more accessible,” Mayor Williams said.
“It was also exciting to see the ride zone expanded late last year with Kawana, Frenchville, Berserker and West Rockhampton added.
“These scooters add to the already incredible offering we have in Rockhampton with more than 8,000 E-Scooter trips taken during RockyNats in 2022 alone.
“While we know most riders are using the E-Scooters safely and considerately, we will work closely with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Neuron to increase awareness of rules around their use and continue to improve safety.
“Community members are also able to reach out to Neuron’s customer support directly.”
Advance Rockhampton Executive Manager, Greg Bowden, has welcomed the continued support of E-Scooters.
“The public demand speaks for itself, and it’s a credit to Rockhampton locals and visitors for embracing this new opportunity and doing their bit for the future of e-mobility,” Mr Bowden said.
“Council permitting the hire of E-Scooters on Council controlled land has also created better connectivity in our region and has created new employment of 25 Neuron employees to service the region.
“According to data from Neuron, 66 per cent of E-Scooter trips result in a purchase at a local business, with an average spend of $65 on each occasion. That’s an estimated economic impact of $21 million into the local Rockhampton economy.”
Feature image supplied by Rockhampton Regional Council.