Hobart City Council has decided to transition the City's shared micromobility program to an e-bike only model, moving away from mixed hire e-scooter and e-bike services.
Council will soon undertake a tender process for the provision of shared e-bikes within the city.
The tender will place strong emphasis on smaller, more compact e-bikes that are better suited to Hobart's streets, footpaths and public spaces.
The shared micromobility program, in place since 2021, has delivered positive outcomes for the city, including reduced short car trips, measurable emissions savings and strong uptake by residents and visitors.
Usage data shows thousands of trips completed and substantial distances travelled, supporting the City's sustainability and transport diversity objectives.
Across the 15‑month period from December 2024 to February 2026, the service recorded an average of around 13,300 trips per month, covering approximately 16,660 kilometres.
The Council acknowledged the contribution the initiative had made to Hobart's transport network.
However, Council determined there were ongoing regulatory, safety and behavioural concerns with inappropriate parking on footpaths being a common concern for residents.
E-bikes, by contrast, are generally used as a transport mode rather than a recreational device, resulting in more predictable and compliant behaviour.
The decision aligns with broader national and international trends, with many cities increasingly favouring e-bike focused shared schemes due to their versatility, safety profile and suitability for longer trips.
Personal Mobility Devices also offer a practical alternative to public transport , especially in the context of current record fuel prices.
While recognising the value of the e-scooter initiative to date, Council agreed that transitioning to an e-bike only program represents a sustainable, compliant and community friendly approach for Hobart's future.
Quotes to be attributed to Acting Hobart Lord Mayor Dr Zelinda Sherlock:
"The shared micromobility program has demonstrated strong community interest in low emissions, convenient travel options.
"However, it has become clear that a mixed e-scooter and e-bike hire model is not the best fit for Hobart."
Quotes to be attributed to Transport Committee chair Cr Ryan Posselt:
"An e-bike only model is expected to improve safety outcomes and better integrate with existing cycling infrastructure.
"E-bikes also support active transport, delivering public health benefits alongside emissions reduction."
