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Further regulations - including rules around helmets - for e-scooters will not be considered until a trial in Auckland ends in March, the Associate Minister for Transport says.

The family of Californian woman Renee Whitehouse, who was hit by a truck while riding a scooter in North Dunedin early last Friday, has called for Lime, the company that launched its scooter fleet in New Zealand in October, to introduce helmets.

Minister Julie Anne Genter said in a statement yesterday she sympathised with Ms Whitehouse, who remains in intensive care in a serious but stable condition, and the driver of the truck.

''I encourage people to wear a helmet when riding on the road, whether they're using a skateboard, push scooter or e-scooter,'' she said.

Ms Genter said she planned to wait until the end of the Auckland trial before considering any further regulation.

''This will give us real-world data and experience to base decisions on,'' she said.

A helmet is not legally required to be worn when using an e-scooter, but is recommended by the NZ Transport Agency.

Three hundred e-scooters have been launched in Dunedin, and the company may add more, depending on demand for them.

Work is under way on law changes that will impose a 10kmh speed limit for e-scooters being ridden on the footpath, and the Government is set to consult on the new rules early this year.


 

Comments

Trial? Is Dunedin trialling? If Ak says No, can DCC be far behind?

So if it is a "trial" then why it's not free for users like all trials should be? Or is it trial of how general public will react to pretty clear cut case of corruption?

 

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