Could an electric scooters and e-bike hire scheme be rolling into the Toowoomba Region?
Following a Council decision earlier today, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will progress with plans that could result in a six-month trial by the end of the year.
Speaking in support of the project, TRC Infrastructure Committee Portfolio Leader Cr Melissa Taylor said she was happy to see further consideration of the project.
“These scooters are so popular in other regions and I’m excited we’re looking at the possibility of a trial in the Toowoomba Region to gauge if they would also be an appropriate transport option for our community,” she said.
“We’re always looking at ways we can provide further active and public transport options for our residents and this might be exactly what our community is after. E-scooters and e-bikes are one of the transport elements that have been identified in the current refresh of the Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy.
“With Council supporting the initial proposal, we will now take a two-phase approach where we go to the market to assess product suppliers and at the same time we’ll also be engaging with our community about the proposal.
“If there is interest from the community and potential suppliers are identified then we will consider a trial, possibly beginning at the end of this year.
“The timing of a potential trial would also likely tie into any new legislation changes which are currently being proposed by the State Government.
“We’re very mindful of the safety required, for not only the users of these devices, but also for the safety of everyone in our community as we look for the best way possible to integrate all modes of transport together.
“We’ve seen these electronic vehicles used in other cities throughout Queensland and will be able to learn from their experiences to make sure we get any e-scooter and e-bike scheme right in Toowoomba.
