Why have a six-month trial?

The trial presents an opportunity to explore the impact of commercial hire e-scooters on public spaces and to assess whether there is a place for this technology in the District as an alternative transport solution. One potential benefit is that the successful uptake of e-scooters alongside other alternative transport options, could help alleviate pressure on town centre car parking and reduce transport emissions.

Scooter use is regulated in New Zealand by Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency). The Council currently has no legal way to prevent a commercial company commencing scooter operations in the District. Because of this, the Council decided to take a proactive approach to managing the presence of scooters on our roads/streets and to work with the companies to create an environment which best manages their service.

The six-month trial will provide us with a large amount of usage data and community feedback to help our Council make a considered decision about the future of commercial e-scooters in the Waimakariri District. Similar trials in other Districts have been shown to be positive for the local area.