E-Scooters

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL (15:01): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Trade and Investment, representing the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, a question about e-scooters.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL: The government has authorised the use of commercial electric scooters as part of ongoing trials in Adelaide, now extended to include North Adelaide and the Coast Park Trail. Of course, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the service has been suspended, effective Sunday 29 March; however, it will be resumed after the current crisis has passed. As part of the commercial provision of e-scooters, the government has required that they be speed limited, have basic safety equipment, be subject to specified rider behaviour and only be used in designated areas. However, if a private citizen buys an identical e-scooter with identical limitations, he or she can be prosecuted for riding it. I note that e-scooters are widely available for sale in South Australia, both through retail outlets and online; however, they can't be used in public. According to the government website:

If you are caught riding an e-scooter not approved for this trial you may be fined for driving an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle [the fine being] $1,232.

My questions to the minister are: firstly, when the e-scooter trial resumes after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, will the government allow the use of private e-scooters on the same terms and conditions as commercial e-scooters; and secondly, what are the government's future plans for the use of private, small-wheeled electric vehicles, given that these vehicles are increasing in popularity and availability?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade and Investment) (15:03): I thank the honourable member for his question. I suspect I am the only minister in this chamber who has actually ridden an e-scooter—I suspect I am, but maybe the Hon. Stephen Wade has—so I am probably the right person to take this question. All the details that the honourable member refers to are very important questions, and I will refer them to the hardworking Minister for Transport, the Hon. Stephan Knoll, and bring back an answer.