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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe City of Perth’s headline-making e-scooter scheme was a two-year hire trial that began on 16 March 2023, not a permanent fleet available today. It launched with 500 scooters at 80 sites, operated by Bird Rides Australia and Neuron Mobility. Bird later exited Australia and Beam Mobility took its place. The City now says e-scooter hiring is suspended until further notice.
What the 2023 launch actually was
This was a council-authorised, app-based shared-scooter hire trial. Users located a scooter, unlocked it through an operator app, rode within the approved area and ended the trip at a designated parking location. It was not a scheme for buying scooters and it was not a permanent transport service.
The initial arrangement was planned as a two-year trial. The City’s later documents identify 16 March 2023 as the official commencement date, while launch coverage published on 14 March described the rollout.
| Launch detail | What was announced |
|---|---|
| Initial fleet | 500 hire scooters |
| Initial network | 80 locations |
| Operators | Bird Rides Australia and Neuron Mobility Australia |
| Launch date | 16 March 2023 |
| Trial purpose | More transport choice, improved connectivity, tourism support and potential congestion and emissions benefits |
The launch fleet and site count are documented in PerthNow’s launch report and the City of Perth council briefing.
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Where scooters operated
The initial rollout covered the City of Perth’s Perth CBD, Northbridge, East Perth, West Perth, Claisebrook and Crawley areas. The original 80 locations were not the final size of the network: later City information referred to more than 145 designated parking sites.
The trial also expanded into Kings Park on 30 March 2023 under the same safety and parking framework, as documented by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority.
Geofenced and no-ride areas
Operators used geofencing to slow or stop scooters in restricted areas. Launch restrictions specifically included Hay Street Mall, Murray Street Mall, Forrest Place and Kings Park. The Northbridge entertainment precinct had additional restrictions on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm. Scooters could not be ridden on roads with speed limits above 50 km/h, and the launch rules also restricted roads with a centre line or median strip.
Rules and zones could change during the trial. A later council agenda considered additional slow and no-go zones and stronger parking controls; therefore, launch restrictions should not be read as an unchanged map for every subsequent stage.
What rides cost at launch
The March 2023 launch tariff was a $1 unlock fee plus time-based charging:
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| Operator | Launch rate |
|---|---|
| Bird | 45 cents per minute, plus the $1 unlock fee |
| Neuron | 51 cents per minute, plus the $1 unlock fee |
These were historical launch prices reported by PerthNow, not current fares. Because the City currently lists hiring as suspended, there is no verified current City of Perth rental price. A trip that could not be ended in an approved bay could also continue accruing charges under the operator’s system, making parking part of the cost as well as a compliance issue.
Rules riders had to follow
| Rule | Requirement in the launch framework |
|---|---|
| Age | Rider had to be at least 16 |
| Helmet | Compulsory |
| Passengers | One person per scooter; no passenger |
| Footpaths | Maximum 10 km/h |
| Permitted roads | Up to 25 km/h where legal and safe |
| Trip end | Return the scooter to a designated parking area |
| Boundary | Remain within the permitted City area and obey geofenced restrictions |
The 25 km/h figure was a maximum in permitted settings, not a guarantee that a scooter could travel at that speed everywhere. Footpaths, pedestrian areas and geofenced zones could impose lower limits or prohibit riding altogether.
How the operators changed
Bird operated for roughly nine months before withdrawing from the Australian market. Its City of Perth contract ended on 22 November 2023. Beam Mobility replaced Bird, leaving Beam and Neuron as the participating brands. The City announced the change in its operator update.
The change matters because the commercial structure was not static: the original Bird-and-Neuron launch arrangement became a Beam-and-Neuron operation, while the designated-site network grew beyond the initial 80 locations.
What the City reported about results
In its April 2025 council update, the City reported 689,422 rides, 1,273,520 kilometres travelled and an estimated 126 tonnes of CO₂ savings during the trial period. Those are City-reported figures, and the emissions number is an estimate rather than an independently audited measurement of net emissions.
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The actual environmental effect depends on which journeys scooters replaced. A scooter trip replacing a car journey has a different effect from one replacing walking, cycling or public transport. The same council update said the City approved a process to continue the service beyond the trial and conduct a new tender in April 2025. That decision did not guarantee uninterrupted operation or a particular future operator.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the City of Perth hire scheme still running?
No active public hire service is confirmed. The City’s current E-Scooter Trial page, available as of 18 August 2026, says e-scooter hiring is suspended until further notice and describes Beam and Neuron as previous partners. Anyone checking an app or an old launch article should verify the City’s status first; the 2023 figure of 500 scooters is historical.
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Can you still ride a privately owned e-scooter in WA?
Suspending the City’s hire scheme did not create a statewide ban on compliant privately owned eRideables. WA rules apply to the device and the rider, regardless of whether the scooter came from a sharing app or a shop.
- The device must be designed for one person, weigh no more than 25 kg and be no more than 125 cm long, 70 cm wide and 135 cm high.
- Its maximum level-ground speed must be 25 km/h.
- The rider must be at least 16 and wear a helmet.
- Only one person may ride; passengers and animals are not allowed.
- Speed is limited to 10 km/h on footpaths and pedestrian crossings, and up to 25 km/h on bicycle paths, shared paths and suitable local roads.
- Riders must remain in control and must not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
See the WA Road Safety Commission’s eRideable guidance and its definitions and buying guide before buying or modifying a device. A technically compliant scooter may still be unsuitable for a route containing prohibited roads or pedestrian-only areas, and private scooters do not receive the hire scheme’s geofencing or designated parking infrastructure.
Penalties that affect private riders
The published infringement amounts include:
- $50 for not wearing a helmet.
- $50 for a child under 16 riding an eRideable.
- $100 for exceeding 25 km/h on a carriageway, bicycle path or shared path.
- $100 for riding on a carriageway with a speed limit above 50 km/h, rising to $500 where the limit exceeds 70 km/h.
The amounts are listed by the Road Safety Commission. Its 2025 review identified speed, limited awareness and lack of courtesy as prominent concerns and observed about 15% of users without helmets in that study; that observation is not a universal compliance or injury rate.
Quick Recap
Timeline
- 14 March 2023: Launch coverage announced 500 scooters and 80 initial sites.
- 16 March 2023: The City’s official trial commencement date.
- 30 March 2023: Trial expanded into Kings Park.
- 22 November 2023: Bird’s City contract ended after its Australian withdrawal.
- 23 November 2023: Beam joined Neuron as replacement operator.
- April 2025: Council approved a continuation and new tender process.
- By 18 August 2026: City information listed hiring as suspended until further notice.
What to check before using or buying an eRideable
- Check the City’s current hire status rather than relying on 2023 launch information.
- Confirm the route’s speed, road and no-ride restrictions.
- For a private device, verify the 25 kg, size and 25 km/h limits before purchase.
- Carry and wear a compliant helmet; check lights, reflectors and a warning device.
- Plan secure storage, charging, theft protection, maintenance and battery replacement.
- Do not modify or remove speed limiting.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
