Draft Commercially Operated Share Scheme Policy

To align with the goals of the Integrated Transport Plan, it is important to explore the possibility of introducing share schemes in Hobsons Bay, and so a Commercially Operated Share Scheme Policy has been drafted to set out the requirements for e-scooter and e-bike share schemes.

The policy would require an operator to prepare a code of practice that includes conditions around professionalism, customer service, insurance, geographical restrictions, data sharing and maximum vehicle deployments.

If Council is satisfied with how an operator meets these conditions, approval for a scheme to commence can be granted.

What’s in the draft Share Scheme Policy?

Before a commercially operated share scheme commences, a publicly available code-of practice must be prepared to the satisfaction of Council setting out that an operator will at a minimum:

  • Adhere to this policy for the duration of the commercially operated share scheme.
  • Always retain responsibility and control of the scheme and its vehicles.
  • Maintain clear communication channels with Council.
  • Hold a public liability insurance of at least $20,000,000 with Council as beneficiary.
  • Provide coverage to the whole Council area except (no parking zones, no ride zones & slow zones)
  • Deploy a maximum of 200 bicycles and 500 electric scooters.
  • Conduct a professional, tidy, and responsive service.
  • Provide methods for the public to make enquiries including a phone number.
  • Provide an initial response to general public enquires within 24 hours and urgent public enquires within two hours.
  • Reposition or recover poorly parked vehicles within 24 hours from when the operator is made aware.
  • Require users to park vehicles clear of main walking areas.
  • Make data available to Council including statistics related to usage, deployment, and community or customer enquiries.
  • Prepare a monthly summary of usage statistics, vehicle deployment, customer services enquiries, and other information to be published on Council’s website.

Following the commencement of a commercially operated share scheme, an operator must make payment to Council in accordance with the Schedule of Fees and Charges. The method and frequency of payments will be set out in an approval letter.

Geographical restrictions

  • No Parking Zones

    Areas where an operator must take steps to prevent a vehicle from being parked. In No Parking Zones, an operator may work with Council to designate in its smartphone app specific areas for vehicle parking where obstructions to the main walking area are avoided.

  • No Ride Zones

    Areas where an operator must take steps to prevent a vehicle from being used.

  • Slow Zones

    Areas where an operator must take steps to automatically reduce the maximum motor assistance speed of vehicles (generally to around 15 km/h). Council may amend the geographical file from time to time without such amendments being considered at a Council meeting. Operators will be notified of any amendments.

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