MP Advocates for E-Scooter Regulation Overhaul Amid Rising Injuries

The Member of Parliament for Tukituki, representing the southern Hawke’s Bay region, is calling for a comprehensive review of e-scooter regulations as reports indicate a significant rise in related injuries. According to figures from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), claims for e-scooter injuries nearly doubled over the past five years, with a staggering 7,257 incidents reported so far this year, costing approximately $14 million.

Regulations governing e-scooter use have not kept pace with their increasing popularity across New Zealand. The MP aims to drive changes by the middle of 2026, advocating for e-scooter users to utilise designated cycle lanes where available. Currently, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) permits e-scooters on footpaths and roads but prohibits their use in cycle lanes, which are exclusively reserved for cyclists.

“I believe it is outdated and dangerous, and we have work underway to change it by the middle of next year,” the MP stated during an interview with RNZ’s Checkpoint. She emphasized that allowing e-scooters in cycle lanes would enhance safety on footpaths and encourage more users to opt for these lanes.

Under the current guidelines set by the NZTA, e-scooter users are advised to ride carefully and at safe speeds, particularly near pedestrians. Riders must yield to others on the path, keep to the left unless overtaking, and maintain a safe distance from those around them. The NZTA strongly recommends that riders wear helmets for added protection.

As the popularity of e-scooters rises, the MP has noted a growing concern from community members, particularly parents and older individuals, regarding safety on footpaths. She recognizes the need for a balanced approach that fosters e-scooter use while ensuring public safety.

“We want to make the footpaths safer, but we want to make everyone safer,” she added. Additionally, she pointed out that some responsibility for safety lies with e-scooter operators, highlighting the potential dangers posed by high-speed rides if not managed properly.

The proposed changes to the regulations would be tailored to the availability of bike lanes in various regions. The MP noted that not all areas in the country have the same access to cycle lanes, with regions like Hawke’s Bay lacking compared to larger cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.

“We need to be practical about this. If there is a cycle lane, use it, but if there isn’t, there’s the footpath,” the MP stated, advocating for responsible usage. By introducing commonsense rules, she aims to create a safer environment for all road users, including those on e-scooters.

As discussions around e-scooter regulations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the rules reflect the current state of usage and promote safety for all road users in New Zealand.