In a move to enhance public safety and accessibility, the Yarra City Council has introduced a ban on e-scooter parking on narrow footpaths. The decision comes after numerous complaints from residents about e-scooters blocking pathways, posing risks particularly to visually impaired and disabled pedestrians1.
Starting in January 2025, the council will geofence all footpaths narrower than two meters across the municipality.
This measure aims to prevent e-scooters from being parked inappropriately and ensure that footpaths remain accessible to everyone1. The council has also requested detailed data from e-scooter providers on complaints and usage patterns to better enforce the new regulations.
The City of Yarra – which includes inner-city suburbs like Richmond, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Abbotsford, Clifton Hill and Carlton North – has been part of the Victorian Government’s e-scooter trial since February 2022.
While e-scooters offer a sustainable and affordable transport option, the council says it believes that stricter regulations are necessary to balance the benefits with community safety concerns.
The move comes after the City of Melbourne banned rental e-scooters in September this year, cancelling its contracts with operators Lime and Neuron following issues with users riding on footpaths, parking scooters irresponsibly, and accidents involving pedestrians.
