Busselton council votes for scooters to stay

The City of Busselton Council has voted to allow hireable e-scooters to remain in the City, following an extension of a trial period for the public transport equipment.

The City said it received more community feedback about improvement measures implemented as part of the extension, through a second survey in September.

“This survey attracted 185 responses and the responses were considered by the Council when making the decision at its October 2024 meeting.

“This latest decision will require the operator to ensure a far tighter management model be put in place to address the concerns raised by the community during the trial.”

Mayor Phill Cronin said the trial was an opportunity to see how the scooters could work within the City.

“Through the trial we heard about a number of issues that arose and needed addressing,” he said. “The Council’s decision will require the operator to pay the City a commercial fee to operate in public places.

“In addition, a far tighter management approach will now form part of any agreement in place to prevent or very quickly resolve issues, particularly relating to parking, helmet litter and abandoned e-scooters.”

Data provided by e-scooter operator Neuron showed an increase in the number of journeys being made.

The City said anecdotal evidence provided to Council confirmed some local businesses supported the e-scooters to enable staff to travel to and from work.

During the trial extension, maximum speeds were slowed in some locations reported by community members to be areas of particular concern. Further concerns will be addressed through no-go zones, parking stations and faster response times to issues.

The City said while the hireable e-scooters had been endorsed by Council, “it should be noted that Council does not have any control over privately owned e-scooters”.

“All riders are subject to the various road rules already in place. The City encourages riders to learn the rules that keep riders and other road or pathway users safe.”