Wynnum and Manly shared e-scooter trials prompt councillors to consider if Redlands is ready for micro-mobility

A Redland City Council spokesperson said officers were preparing a strategy for council to consider next year as personal mobility devices become popular methods of transport.

"This will provide a framework for the use of rideables, such as e-scooters, on Redlands Coast for both potential share schemes and for people who have their own," she said.

"The strategy will take into account other users of the transport network, existing transport infrastructure, including pathways; safety considerations; potential to enhance tourism experiences and demographics."

But local councillors were unsure the Redlands was a good fit e-scooters.

Cr Peter Mitchell said although the social and environmental benefits of scooters were appealing, better infrastructure was needed to ensure the safety of riders.

"Today... shared e-scooter schemes are a little premature in Redlands as the city has no properly defined policy, local laws, and guidelines to support a safe trial as yet," Cr Mitchell said.

"Redlands is however doing very well in budgeting for much improved pathway infrastructure.

"It is worth noting... that active travel infrastructure saves a fortune if compared to spending on roads for the same per kilometre of travel."

He said if the scooters were to be introduced, residents would need assurance they would be safe, with "ring fencing" technology to reduce speeds and ensure they did not block paths.

E-scooters have been involved in several accidents in the Redlands this year, prompting police to call for e-scooter safety.

Last night, a man in his 40s was taken to hospital with head injuries after falling off an e-scooter in Rockhampton.

In July this year, a Brisbane man in his 50s was killed when the e-scooter he was riding slammed into a pole.

Cr Wendy Boglary agreed better infrastructure was necessary, but was also hesitant about whether they were right for the Redlands.

"I'm not sure if Redlands has sufficient demographics at this stage to make an expansion viable, but yes, definitely at some stage e-scooters should be available," she said.

"The old standards [of footpaths] are in my view not sufficient width for the shared users so there would be a safety need for investment in this infrastructure.

"Sufficient well designed laneways and pathways would be necessary and also education."

Cr Mark Edwards backed the move but said their use needed to be balanced with public safety.

Bowman MP Andrew Laming said active transport upgrades would likely be funded entirely through the federal government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

The program has already replaced bridges in Ormiston and Redland Bay.

"Share scooters are a no-brainer but the city needs a 'Bay Way', similar to Gold Coast's Ocean Way for connecting Redlands' suburbs north to south along the foreshore," he said.

"Any investment in active transport is a great investment and has massive community support."

Mr Laming said planning was already underway and wanted councillors to support projects.