What is the e-scooter hire trial costing Wollongong ratepayers?
As the e-scooter trial continues for a third year in Wollongong, Jeremy Lasek calculates the revenue foregone
About $300,000 is the short answer.
On face value, the only people who should be paying for this long-running e-scooter trial in central Wollongong should be those who climb aboard for a ride. But dig a little deeper and it’s clear the cost is shared among all of our city’s ratepayers.
Since the trial began amid much fanfare in September 2023, Wollongong City Council has decided not to seek any revenue from the international operator, Neuron Mobility.
Council has now confirmed that the trial has been extended for a third time, through to 22 January 2027. Again, there will be no financial benefit to the city and its ratepayers.
So, what is this free e-scooter trial costing the people of Wollongong?
In Canberra, where Neuron has been operating for years, the ACT has struck a deal where the operator pays the ACT Government $1.04 per device, per day. There are 1,075 Neuron e-scooters operating in the ACT.
An ACT Government spokesperson said last financial year (2024-25), the ACT Government received $430,755 in e-scooter hire revenue.
In Wollongong, should there be a similar financial arrangement in place, with 300 e-scooters on our streets and footpaths, Council could be earning more than $100,000 a year. As the trial approaches the three-year mark, that's about $300,000 in revenue foregone.
A spokesperson for Wollongong City Council said: “Our focus for the trial was to determine the suitability and uptake of shared e-scooters by residents and visitors, therefore Council has not pursued revenue from the operator during the trial.”
Neuron told The Illawarra Flame that e-scooter use in Wollongong since the trial began has exceeded all expectations. “We believe it is the most successful city in NSW when it comes to usage of rental e-scooters.”
They have been so successful, Neuron hopes to increase its footprint into Wollongong’s northern suburbs in future.
For its part, Wollongong City Council is happy to continue to support the Neuron trial into early 2027.
“To date, the Wollongong e-scooter trial has shown that shared micromobility can be a positive part of the city’s broader transport network by providing an alternative, adaptable, and safe travel option,” a Council spokesperson said.
“Transport for NSW has approved continuing the trial until 22 January 2027. Council will continue to take part in the trial until TfNSW finalises its legislative and regulatory framework for shared e-micromobility across NSW. Once a state-wide framework is in place, Council will consider its next steps regarding the future of shared micromobility schemes in Wollongong.
"TfNSW is seeking feedback on the draft e-micromobility sharing schemes reform until 4 May 2026. Council will prepare a submission on the NSW Government e-micromobility regulations.”
