Queen Street shared e-Scooter and e-Bike Parking zones
About the project
Shared electric devices (e-devices) such as e-scooters and e-bikes are a popular form of mobility for short journeys especially in the inner city. However, often they are left in inappropriate places creating safety hazards for other footpath users.
To improve safety for all footpath users we are working with Beam and Lime, the shared e-device operators, to make changes to e-device parking requirements along the Queen Street corridor.
What we are proposing
By early August 2024, approximately 30 geographically fenced (geo-fenced) shared e-device parking zones will be painted on the ground in locations on and close to Queen Street between Customs Street and Mayoral Drive.
From Monday 12 August riders must park in one of these e-parking zones or the ride will not end on the app and they will continue to be charged.
The e-parking zones are placed near the kerb, away from shops and the pedestrian area, and will show on the ground as large scooter and bike icons painted inside white boxes.
Image: How an e-parking zone on Queen Street will look.
Image: Where the e-parking zones are located on and near Queen Street.
Benefits and impacts
By requiring considerate shared e-device parking in dedicated e-parking zones, we expect safety to be improved for all people who use the footpath, especially those with low vision and who used wheeled mobility devices.
In the Britomart area trials of shared e-parking zones showed an overall 93% compliance rate for correct e-device parking. Along Queen Street, we expect to see similar improvements and a corresponding reduction in safety complaints.
What we want you to tell us about
The Queen Street painted e-parking zones are a 12-month long trial to investigate if footpath safety can be improved.
We want to learn about how the shared e-parking zones are operating from people who walk, work, live or otherwise enjoy using Queen Street. Your local knowledge or reporting of safety issues will tell us if we need to adjust any e-parking zones or if there are issues to be resolved.
How to report an issue
Please complete the short survey at the end of the page if you would like to report an issue or make a comment.
Alternatively, email the team at projects@at.govt.nz
For issues with specific hire e-scooters or e-bikes contact Beam or Lime.
What happens next
After 12 months, if the trial is considered successful, the shared e-parking zones will remain in place along Queen Street. Previously installed measures, such as the orange planter boxes in the Britomart area, will be upgraded to the painted, geo-fenced e-parking zones. We will then look to expand where the e-parking zones are installed into other busy e-device locations.