E-Scooter trial in Yeppoon scoots forward

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Published
19th July 2022

Livingstone Shire Council has today resolved to call for Expressions of Interest for a twelve-month e-scooter trial in Yeppoon.

Responses to Council’s community consultation undertaken in December 2021 were overwhelmingly positive, with 69% of respondents being in favour of the introduction of e-scooters.

Portfolio holder of Healthy and Inclusive Community, Councillor Pat Eastwood, said that recreational use was the main reason survey respondents’ said they would jump on an e-scooter.

“The results also highlighted that community members agree that e-scooters would provide social benefits and increase tourist spend throughout the town centre, foreshore areas and beyond,” Cr Eastwood said.

“E-scooters will be a fantastic addition to the Capricorn Coast and will support Council’s Community Plan goal of marketing Livingstone as a destination for commerce, tourism and lifestyle.

“In addition to improving accessibility for residents and visitors to explore the Capricorn Coast, e-scooters promote an active outdoor lifestyle and are environmentally friendly.

“Initially the scooters will be set up for a twelve-month trial which will allow Council and the successful operator to assess the viability of e-scooters staying in Yeppoon.

“The operation and management of the e-scooters will be fully overseen by the successful operator and will include a geo-fenced ride zone determined by Council in collaboration with the successful operator, featuring Go-Slow, No Go, and No Parking Zones.

“It’s estimated that the trial will provide around ten additional local jobs for managing, operating and maintaining the fleet of scooters.

Permit applications will open to operators immediately. Following the assessment process, it’s hoped the successful operator will have E-Scooters up and running in Yeppoon by the end of 2022!

Interested applicants can request a permit application by contacting Council’s Economic Development team at economicdevelopment@livingstone.qld.gov.au.

E-SCOOTER STATISTICS

A survey carried out in Brisbane found that:

  • 44% of all e-scooter trips replace a car trip.
  • 99% of trips are purposeful and used for commuting, visiting restaurants and retail shops.
  • 61% of users make a purchase at either the start and/or the end of their trip.