Yarra City Council in Melbourne has become the first in Victoria to create designated parking bays for e-bikes and e-scooters along city footpaths, aiming to enhance pedestrian safety. This initiative, inspired by similar strategies in Brisbane, will see painted parking spaces implemented in Richmond, Abbotsford, and Fitzroy, with plans for an additional 40 spaces.
Lime, a major operator of e-scooters and e-bikes in the area, expressed optimism about these parking facilities, which are expected to promote environmentally friendly transportation and support safe parking practices for both seasoned and new riders. Riders are now required to upload images of parked vehicles, a system monitored by AI to ensure compliance and appropriate parking, with automatic warnings or fines for poor parkers.
Yarra City Council previously updated rules to prohibit parking on footpaths narrower than two metres, with geofencing technology now in place to enforce this restriction. They are also developing virtual parking solutions and continuing education campaigns to foster responsible use.
While privately-owned e-scooters and e-bikes were legalised in Victoria in 2023, shared e-scooter contracts in Melbourne’s CBD were ended last year. Most Australian states permit e-bikes and e-scooters on footpaths, but e-scooter regulations vary, particularly in New South Wales, where trials are underway.