When I first arrived in Melbourne, I was fascinated by the city’s transport options – especially electric scooters. Here’s what I know about Melbourne’s electric scooters, from their heyday to their recent woes.
The current situation of Melbourne’s electric scooters
When I first explored Melbourne, Lime and Neuron scooters were everywhere, making it easy to get around the city. One day, I went to the place where I usually picked up a scooter, but it was empty. It turned out that the city council had increased the fees by 400%, prompting the two companies to withdraw from the Yarra City (Melbourne’s central business district).
They had beenbanned from entering the central business district the year before. This sudden disappearance makes me wonder: is the end of Melbourne’s electric scooters near?
August 13, 2024 is a date I will never forget. The Future Melbourne Council announced the end of the city’s electric scooter sharing scheme. Watching the streets go from busy to empty, I had mixed feelings.
Although electric scooter rentals have been banned in most parts of Melbourne, they are still allowed in Yarra City and Port Phillip. On a recent trip to Yarra, I saw the neat rows of scooters and was instantly nostalgic!
Melbourne electric scooter rules
When I first arrived in Melbourne, I was curious: are electric scooters legal here?
- Yes, but only on shared paths – never on the pavement.
- I once saw a rider get pulled over by the police for riding on the pavement. Play by the rules!
Age restrictions
In the park, I saw a child trying to unlock a Lime scooter when an older local stepped in to stop him:
- You must be at least 18 years old (unless local laws say otherwise).
- Carry a valid driver’s license or ID.
- Ride at your own risk and obey all traffic laws.
Weight limits
Lime has strict weight limits for its different models:
- Lime Scooter: 220 lbs (100 kg).
- Lime Electric Bike (4th Generation): 265 lbs (120 kg).
- LimeBike/Glider: 320 lbs (142 kg).
- This includes the rider + belongings. No double riding!
- Once, a friend suggested we share a vehicle, but I immediately refused.
How to use a Lime scooter
Step-by-step guide
I was both excited and nervous when I used a Lime scooter for the first time:
- Download the Lime app, register and add a payment method.
- Locate nearby scooters via the app.
- Unlock by scanning the QR code.
- End the ride in the app and park properly.
- Once you get the hang of it, it’s very easy!
Pricing details
Lime is transparent about its pricing:
- Unlock fee: USD 1.00–1.50 per ride.
- Per-minute rate: USD 0.15–0.39.
- I checked the costs in advance when I went on long rides in the countryside – no nasty surprises. (Prices may vary locally.)
Controversies and challenges
Safety concerns lead to bans
One neighbour told me that the municipality had terminated the contract prematurely due to safety concerns. I wasn’t surprised, as I had witnessed a near-miss when a reckless rider suddenly dashed into traffic. Convenience comes with risk.
Why Bird failed
Analyst Horace Dediu believes thatBird’s failure is due tooutdated urban planning policies. The electric scooter promised a modern service, but clashed with old-fashioned regulations and safety concerns.
Lime scooters: beyond Melbourne
Lime (formerly LimeBike) is operated by Neutron Holdings, Inc., a San Francisco mobility giant. Despite its setback in Melbourne, it is still operating in over 200 cities around the world. A friend raved about using Lime abroad – some cities still welcome them!
Design and function
- Lime: white with green accents.
- Neuron: striking orange.
- Lime’s heavier model comes with under-seat batteries and an improved suspension system, and can travel20+ miles at15 mph. I once saw a Neuron outside a café, and the colour was so eye-catching!
Technically, Bird/Lime scooters don’t ‘shut down automatically’, but after 9pm, most scooters with<90% battery are marked as available for collection. One night after dinner, I looked for 30 minutes and couldn’t find it. I had to walk home.
Electric bikes (pedal-assisted bicycles) are legal in Victoria and do not require registration/licensing. My neighbour commutes to work every day on an electric bike, which is environmentally friendly and healthy! I also borrowed his bike for a ride, it’s so convenient.