Benefits

Providing and effectively managing shared micromobility enables people to have more choice about how they travel as well as reduce reliance on motor vehicles. Key benefits include:

	Accessibility Integrating shared micromobility and public transport enables an efficient and convenient door-to-door experience. Shared micromobility can increase accessibility, especially for those who do not feel comfortable or are unable to cover long distances walking. Cycle share can increase physical and mental health and wellbeing [1], as well as uptake of active travel. Improves access to everyday needs such shops. Contributes to social connection and community cohesion. Reduces levels of car traffic and improves place outcomes.
	Equity, access and inclusion
	Public health and wellbeing
	Urban liveability
	Economic [2] Contributes to nighttime and event economies Provides tourists a convenient way to get around
	Environmental Shifting short driving trips to more sustainable modes is essential to achieve emissions reduction targets3.

[1] Healthy Streets Framework, Lucy Saunders

[2] Economic Benefits of Cycling in Urban Environments, Urban Future Exchange SA (2019)

Challenges

With existing City speed limits, current legislation prohibits e-scooters from travelling on roads, resulting in majority of e-scooter use being on footpaths, which can make people walking or wheeling feel uncomfortable.

The State Government may change legislation allowing e-scooters on roads with speed limits up to and including 50km/h, however this would not be considered a safe outcome and research [1] suggests many people would still choose to use the footpath because they would be too scared on-road. Research[2] also indicates that mixing driving and scootering at 50km/h will increase serious injuries on our streets.

• The appeal of using cycle share is limited by the quality of supporting infrastructure. With few protected cycle lanes / cycle paths, people are often required to cycle on road, mixing with motor vehicles travelling at relatively high speeds. Without a comfortable environment for cycling, few people may choose to use cycle share, and it may not be financially viable.
• While some streets have designated parking spaces allocated for shared micromobility or restrict them entirely, on most streets parking is ‘free-floating’ or unrestricted. This results in shared micromobility devices being left on footpaths, taking up valuable walking space in busy urban environments. Poorly parked devices can also become trip hazards, especially for older adults and people with disability.

[1] The e-scooter gender gap – Jennifer Dill, Ph.D.

[2] Cloud, C., Heß S. & Kasinger, J. (2023). Shared e-scooter services and road safety: Evidence from six European countries, European Economic Review, 160 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroecorev.2023.104593

Many people would like to cycle, but do not feel safe enough to do so [1]. People have a strong preference for protected cycle lanes/paths, for safety throughout their journey[2]. Similarly, people using e-scooters seek conditions where they feel safe. Investing in a micromobility network and better parking management will mean more people can choose to cycle and use shared micromobility, while creating better outcomes for people walking and wheeling.

Seven key strategic moves have been identified to support and improve shared micromobility:

	Optimise our streets to create safe corridors for people to use micromobility devices (shared and personal) with managed parking provisions on busy City Streets to ensure there are comfortable spaces for people walking and wheeling.
	Manage parking through designated parking bays or docks in busier areas. Provide some designated parking in quieter residential areas but have allowances for ‘free floating’ parking for safety and inclusion.
	Establish micromobility networks to improve connections with key destinations (including public transport). Identify ‘no go zones’ (streets and paths where scootering and/or cycling are to be excluded).
	Lower speed limits to promote and enable safer on-road micromobility conditions and minimise potential conflicts on footpaths with people walking and wheeling.
	Integrate shared micromobility with public transport through creating micromobility hubs at public transport interchanges and stations. Joint promotion and pricing structures could also be explored with State Government and micromobility operators.
	Have operators deploy more inclusive devices such as e-scooters with seats to improve accessibility and enable longer journeys for more people. Investigate schemes for different pricing models to promote shared micromobility as a viable transport option for people with limited existing transport means.
	Make improvements to recreational trails within the Park Lands to promote shared micromobility as a tourism activity that enables visitors to explore the Park Lands and adjacent city destinations.

[1] L. Pearson, B. Gabbe, S. Reeder & B. Beck (2023) Barriers and enablers of bike riding for transport and recreational purposes in Australia

[2] City of Melbourne Transport Strategy Discussion Paper – Bicycles for Everyday Transport https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/download_...