The City of Hobart has admitted it gave incorrect advice for years by telling e-scooter riders they could legally use bike lanes, despite Tasmanian law banning the practice.
Launceston coffee roaster Robin Smith, who is now pushing for law reform after being stopped by Tasmania Police while riding a Beam e-scooter in a Hobart bike lane, something he believed was lawful based on council advice.
“I was nearly booked, and the officer was right’ Mr Smith told the Mercury Newspaper.
I agree law reform is needed to avoid further confusion. It seems love them or loathe them, e-scooters are now a permanent part of Hobart’s transport mix, yet riders are being left to navigate inconsistent advice from councils and outdated state rules.
Clear, statewide regulations, aligned with other jurisdictions, would remove uncertainty for riders, police and pedestrians, and prevent people being penalised for following advice that turned out to be wrong.
Since the rollout of e-scooters in 2021, the City of Hobart website stated personal mobility devices could be used in bike lanes. That advice has since been corrected.
City of Hobart Strategic and Regulatory Services Director Karen Abey confirmed that under current Tasmanian Road Rules, PMDs, including e-scooters, cannot legally be used in on-road bicycle lanes.
She acknowledged the council’s advice was wrong and apologised for the confusion.
Edwin Johnstone
Chair, Confederation of Greater Hobart Business
