Dear Minister,

RE: Statutes Amendment (Personal Mobility Devices) Bill 2024

I am writing to share feedback and insights from older South Australians in relation to the Personal Mobility Devices Statutes Amendment Bill, which will pave the way for private electronic scooters (e-scooters) to be used on public roads and paths.

As you know, COTA SA is committed to ensuring older South Australians have the opportunity, capacity and ability to navigate the changes of ageing in their place of choice; and, that they can do all of this safely when out in their communities. Since the introduction of legislation to Parliament, we have received concerned enquiries from our members and members of the public, specifically, regarding the safety of both pedestrians and other road/ path users.

We acknowledge the consultation that the government carried out last year and note that the engagement process highlighted mixed views in the community. While respondents were more likely to support the ongoing use of e-scooters on public roads and paths, it is important to recognise that most respondents to the consultation were under the age of 50 years, male and from metropolitan Adelaide.

COTA SA has recently completed a survey of our members seeking further information on how our community felt about all e-scooters (both privately owned and public e-scooters) and a snapshot of results is attached for your reference.

A strong majority (70%) of older people tell us they do not support the legislative change.

The principal concerns of older people include:

• Feeling personally unsafe around e-scooters when walking or driving on the road (81%)
• Trip hazards and environmental litter due to insufficient parking provision (77%)