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Insurers may soon have a host of new vehicles to insure – as electric scooters (e-scooters) get the green light to operate in Auckland.
The Auckland Council has issued the region’s first street trading licence to operate a dockless shared e-scooter system. Bike and scooter share companies Lime and OnZo were permitted to operate systems for a three-month trial – like the initial trial licence granted to OnzO for its bike share service.
Auckland Council manager of street trading Peter Knight said the council has been working closely with Auckland Transport (AT) to update the code of practice for bike share operators to also cover shared e-scooters. The code of practice specifies the New Zealand regulations they must operate under and a requirement to have the necessary insurance.
Compared to bikes, Knight explained e-scooters are classified as wheeled recreational devices under the Land Transport Rule. They can be used on the road, footpath, cycleways and shared paths. The engine must be under 300 watts and users are not required to wear a helmet when riding them.
The council and AT will review the system after the three-month trial and decide whether to extend the licence.
“We look forward to working together with Lime and OnZo to find out what works for Aucklanders,” Knight added. “If the licence is extended, we will likely further amend the code of practice to ensure that the scooters are benefitting Aucklanders and visitors and that any issues caused are addressed.”
