Rental e-scooter safety (2026)

Rental e-scooter use has grown rapidly in New Zealand since 2018, especially in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

This study examined rental e-scooter use, safety and management. It analysed usage and injury data alongside relevant rules, contracts and regulatory frameworks.

Key findings

1. Rental e-scooters are now an established urban transport option.
2. Injury claims are rising more slowly than use, suggesting relative safety may be improving.
3. Data gaps make overall risk difficult to assess.
4. Without a consistent national framework, councils manage rental schemes through local bylaws and agreements.
5. Poor parking remains a concern, especially for people with mobility or visual impairments.

Issues highlighted by the research

• Clarifying the legal status of e-scooters.
• More consistent national guidance on device standards, rider behaviour and scheme management.
• Infrastructure to reduce conflicts, such as designated parking and riding areas.

Further research opportunities

Further research could improve understanding of:

• the number and use of privately owned e-scooters
• differences in safety outcomes between rental and private devices
• gaps in crash, injury and incident reporting
• the impacts of e-scooter parking on pedestrians, particularly people with mobility or visual impairments.