E-scooters. They’re a polarising invention.
Or more accurately at least, some of its users – yes, just some – are often maligned for their nuisance value.
But that might all change if an e-scooter tech advancement rolled out by the City of Melbourne gathers speed.
As reported by The Guardian, 25 Lime e-scooters have just hit the streets of the Victorian capital, equipped with advanced camera and GPS functionality that specifically targets illegal footpath and tandem riding.
The e-scooter tech ‘shouts’ at riders who stray from their designated zone.
E-scooters have been a popular mode of transport since their use was made legal in Victoria, but rebel riders were creating a few bumps in the road, according to Deputy Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece.
“There’s a bit of a hoon element that’s gotten in there, so we’ve developed some technological solutions with the providers that we think will lead to better behaviour to allow the scooters to continue in Melbourne,” he said.
“I love the e-scooters. I want to see them continue in Melbourne but I’ll be the first to say we need to crack down on hoon behaviour like people riding on footpaths, double dinking, and people parking the scooters everywhere,” he said.
E-scooters are often parked in random locations – in various parts of Australia. Location: Brisbane.
E-Scooter Tech to Continue Rolling Out
The City of Melbourne is aiming to incorporate the e-scooter tech into its 1500-strong fleet of motorised devices.
Additionally, the council is considering the introduction of on-street parking stations and physical line markings on footpaths to create clear zones for the hire and return of the contentious vehicles.
Other e-scooter tech in the works includes the use of AI to prevent riders from terminating their journeys without parking correctly, alcohol detection to thwart intoxicated scooting, and rider identification systems to avert underage riding.
Current legislation states that e-scooter riders in Victoria must be aged 16 or over and ride only on shared paths or on roads with a speed limit up to 60 km/h. Users must also wear a helmet and not exceed a speed of 20 km/h.
There is enough to contend with in Melbourne’s streets as it is. Credit: Weyne Yew on Unsplash.
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