Public E-Scooter Fleet Trial

The City of Mount Gambier is committed to ensuring that our city continues to evolve as a place which is progressive, accessible and well-connected.

To support this, Council has resolved to call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from e-scooter mobility operators to trial the establishment of a public e-scooter fleet within Mount Gambier.

What is an e-scooter?

An e-scooter is a stand-up scooter with an electric motor in its front and/or rear wheel which is powered by an inbuilt battery. It is generally designed with a large center deck on which the rider stands.

Public e-scooter fleets have been trialed in many cities across Australia since 2018 and have gained traction as a convenient mode of transport for short distances. They incorporate a collection of e-scooters, typically shared and available for hire within the public realm, in most cases via connection through the use of a mobile phone application.

Although they're not a new concept, we want to work with our community to trial how a public fleet would function within our unique local environment and character as a city. A key purpose of the trial is to test whether e-scooters can become a long-term transport alternative for our community by:

• Influencing travel mode choice and increasing adoption of sustainable transport options;
• Improving connection of residents and visitors to and within the CBD and other key sites throughout the city;
• Providing a viable transport alternative for residents as an alternative to a car and within a regional environment with limited public transport options; and
• Positively contributing to the holistic needs and interests of our community.

If the EOI achieves a suitable collaborative project partner, Council intends for the trial to commence mid 2025 and continue for a period of 12 months.

In approaching the trial, we're asking the community to assist us by:

1. Reading the Frequently Asked Questions to find out more about the parameters of the trial
2. Assist the project team by sharing your ideas about how to the trial can be as safe and effective as possible
3. Ask a question of the team that might assist in planning for the trial or communication of the project.