New Zealand / Transport

Electric scooters now in the Hutt Valley

14:05 pm on 14 December 2018

Lime scooters - already in Auckland and Christchurch - have been introduced in Lower and Upper Hutt.

Photo: PHOTO / RNZ Colin Peacock

The Hutt City Council's traffic asset manager, Damon Simmons, said the e-scooters will be an alternative to cars in the Hutt Valley.

Soon after they were introduced in Auckland and Christchurch, people using them started getting hurt in crashes, some seriously.

Last month, ACC had received more than 80 claims relating to e-scooter injuries in Auckland. Lime has said it will be hosting 'rider safety workshops' to address safety concerns, while Auckland Council paid $10,000 for posters and footpath stickers to encourage people to wear helmets and ride safely.

Hutt City Council is aware of safety concerns, and people should wear a helmet while using the scooters, Mr Simmons said.

The council will review how many people are using them, and how, over the next year.

Lime will make 600 e-scooters in Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt, and they can be ridden on the footpath or the road.

The NZTA classifies e-scooters as "low-powered vehicles" that do not require registration or a driver licence, but riders must be aged over 18. Helmets are not compulsory although they are recommended.