There are urgent calls for e-scooters to be banned from footpaths.
The Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee will on Thursday hear from Footpaths4feet, a group which presented a petition on the issue to Parliament in December. Nearly 1800 signed the petition, calling for people on scooters to be limited to on-road use.
Spokesperson Dr Chris Teo-Sherrel says e-scooters like those provided by Lime, Jump and Flamingo pose a huge risk many people.
"The most at-risk group are the vision impaired, who can't see these things coming. Similarly, older people. As we age we become more frail, and it doesn't take very much for an older frail person to fall over."
He told Newshub the Accessible Streets Regulatory Package, currently being considered by the Ministry of Transport, would be a "backwards step" in how New Zealand treats its disabled and elderly, and isn't ruling out taking the fight to the United Nations.
"What is being proposed in the accessible streets package is to open up footpaths to all these sorts of devices... in breach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities."
The Ministry of Transport says the package will "improve safety for footpath users, encourage active modes of transport, and support the creation of more liveable and vibrant towns and cities".
It's also backed by Auckland Council, as long as scooters are limited to 10km/h - about twice as fast as walking.
"Overall, the benefits of these changes will be significant," Councillor Pippa Coom said in May.
"More people walking and cycling is healthier for Aucklanders, it will lead to improved and more equitable, pedestrian-friendly street design, and it is better for our climate with a greater use of no or low emission transport."
Dr Teo-Sherrell says it's important footpaths are free of scooters and bicycles - the current proposal would also legalise cycling on the footpath.
"New Zealand has been a leader in the way disabled people have been regarded, treated and provided for. This would be a really backward step."
Auckland Council has suggested limiting bicycles to kids 16 and under and over-65s.
The full Accessible Streets Regulatory Package can be read online.
