Affordable and environmentally friendly transport is coming to the Sunshine Coast with Council announcing the successful applicant for an electric scooter and bike trial.
Council received four Expression of Interest submissions, with Neuron Mobility Pty Ltd the successful operator. All EOI submissions demonstrated an encouraging level of interest in the trial program.
Neuron Mobility’s proposal stood out for their level of service, their understanding of the unique requirements of the Sunshine Coast market and their commitments to safety and community engagement.
Neuron Mobility is one of Australia’s leading e-mobility share program providers with significant experience nationally and in Queensland, operating in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Townsville, and Yeppoon.
Neuron Mobility e-scooter and bike
Neuron Mobility Regional Manager Tim Morris said the company was delighted to have been chosen by Sunshine Coast Council.
“E-scooters and e-bikes are really well suited to Maroochydore and Mooloolaba and will be a great way for locals and tourists to travel in a safe, convenient and environmentally friendly way,’’ Mr Morris said.
“Safety is our top priority; it dictates our e-scooter and e-bike design and also the way we operate them.
“Both are packed with a range of cutting-edge safety features and we know from experience in other cities, that riders really appreciate this.”
Neuron Mobility will now undertake community education and awareness campaigns to promote safe e-bike and e-scooter use, including ‘share the path’ initiatives.
Operation of the eco-friendly trial will begin in the Mooloolaba and Maroochydore area this June.
Neuron Mobility will launch in June with 50% of their e-scooter and e-bike fleet. A total of 400 e-scooters and 75 e-bikes will be available by the end of June, 2023.
Neuron Mobility will educate riders on riding rules to ensure all users of Neuron electric bikes and scooters adhere to the road rules and comply with all other Department of Transport and Main Roads requirements.
Some rules include:
- Neuron riders must be 16 years old and above
- Only one rider allowed per e-scooter; no tandem riding with children
- Wearing a helmet is mandatory; there is one on every e-scooter
- Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or any other substance
- e-scooters can be ridden on footpaths and shared paths at a speed of 12km/h, unless signed otherwise
- e-scooters can also be ridden in bike lanes on roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less, on-road bike lanes that are physically separated
- e-scooter can be ridden on low-speed roads with a speed limit less than 50km/h and no dividing line
- e-scooters cannot be ridden in bike lanes on roads over 50km/h
- Maintain a safe distance between riders and pedestrians
- Always give way to pedestrians and mobility devices
- Park responsibly, don’t obstruct access areas, don’t park too close to a junction.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has a full list of rules for personal mobility devices available online.
Sunshine Coast Council CEO Emma Thomas has welcomed the affordable and environmentally friendly transport trial, which is in line with Council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy and aims to foster healthy, smart and creative solutions to how we live and move around the region.
“As more people move to our beautiful Sunshine Coast, it’s important to protect our amazing lifestyle,’’ the CEO said.
“Council aims to strike a balance between the natural environment and the transport needs of residents across the Coast.’’
“A happy, healthy community is a Council priority and this new e-transport trial will enhance our Sunshine Coast lifestyle.
“Neuron is working with Council to ensure safety provisions are put in place”
The trial area includes Maroochydore and Mooloolaba