The Government looks set to introduce a 10km/h speed limit for e-scooters including Limes scooters following safety concerns about the latest mode of transport.
Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff wrote to Transport Minister Phil Twyford raising his concerns about the safety of riding e-scooters.
Lime scooters launched in New Zealand in October last year in Auckland and Christchurch. More have since been released in the Hutt Valley and Dunedin.
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In the two weeks after Lime scooters launched in New Zealand in October, ACC had dealt with 38 claims - 27 in Auckland and 11 in Christchurch.
Mr Twyford's response to Mr Goff reveals the Government is considering a package of law changes known as Accessible Streets, which aim to increase the safety of all footpath users.
"Among the proposed measures is a proposed maximum speed limit for all vehicles that are allowed on the footpath," he wrote.
"I expect that this package will be ready for consultation in early 2019."
"Setting a maximum speed for the footpath has an obvious appeal, given the reported top speed of some of the e-scooters," Mr Twyford wrote.
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However, he also pointed out declaring a speed limit will not be effective if it does not also lead to a positive change in behaviour.
Mr Twyford also wrote that while he personally recommends that e-scooter users wear a helmet - a law change to make this mandatory is not currently being considered.
A spokeswoman for duty minister Grant Robertson told Stuff, the maximum speed limit proposed under Accessible Streets was 10km/h.
If implemented, the limit would apply to Lime scooters being used on the footpath, she said.
Newshub has contacted Mr Robertson's office for comment.
Newshub.
