Update on the Future of E-Scooters in Australia

Who wouldn’t recognize them?

The two-wheeled vehicles, today known as electric scooters or e-scooters that are powered by electric motors and batteries are fast, convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to conventional modes of transport, like cars, busses, and bikes, and they are used for commuting, leisure, or delivery purposes.

How does one get it? Electric scooters are either bought and owned, or rented and shared through various platforms and services.

Since they first entered the ‘Land Down Under’ less than a decade, the electric scooter market in Australia has burgeoned and has become a promising and growing sector, presenting many opportunities for existing and new players in the e-scooter industry.

According to a report by Lucintel, an international market research and management consulting company based in Dallas, Texas, USA, the electric scooter market in Australia was valued at US$ 24.1 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% from 2019 to 2024.

The e-scooter market is segmented by product, battery type, voltage type, technology, sales channel, as well as the drivers, challenges and trends that affect the market dynamics.

With the electric scooter market in Australia constantly evolving and changing as new technologies, regulations, and trends emerge, some important updates on future of the personal mobility devices in the Australian market are shown here:

2. E-scooter innovation and competition: The e-scooter market in Australia is also driven by innovation and competition among various brands and models of e-scooters. *(Some of the leading brands in the market include Mearth, Kaabo, Apollo, Navee, Anyhill, and more).

Many of those brands mentioned offer a range of e-scooters with different features, specifications, and prices to suit the different needs and preferences of consumers. Some of the latest innovations include NFC communication, traction control, indicators, improved displays, a more reliable performance, and more. These innovations aim to enhance the user experience, the rider’s safety and the e-scooter’s convenience.

3. E-scooter acceptance and demand: The e-scooter market in Australia is also influenced by the increasing acceptance and demand of consumers who use e-scooters for various purposes.

Some of the factors which brought about the acceptance of and demand for e-scooters include increasing consumer awareness regarding eco-friendly transportation, stringent environmental regulations, rising government incentives and subsidies programs, growing popularity of e-scooter sharing service, rising fuel prices, and the individual’s changing lifestyles and preferences.

4. E-scooters are environment-friendly: They offer a zero-emission, energy-efficient, cost-effective, convenient, and fun mode of transport that can appeal to many consumers who are looking for alternatives to conventional modes of transport.

Expounding further on the market segmentation, by product, the retro segment is expected to dominate the market, followed by the folding and standing/self-balancing segments.

By battery type, the lithium-ion segment is expected to lead the market, followed by the lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride segments.

By voltage types, the 36 V segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2019, due to its popularity among consumers who prefer moderate speed, power, and range.

By technology, the plug-in segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market still.

By sales channel, the online segment is expected to grow faster than the offline segment.

Why and how? We dive in.

A. Product Types

The product type segment refers to the design and style of the electric scooters. The report identifies three main product types: retro electric scooter, standing electric scooter, and folding electric scooter.

While the said report bared that the retro electric scooter segment garnered a big share of the market in 2019, the folding electric scooter segment, like Mearth, witnessed a leap in its growth rate during the forecast period, due to its increasing demand among consumers who prefer convenience, versatility, and flexibility.

(Optional) Based on some online sources, one of the most popular brands of electric scooters in Australia is:

Mearth, a premiere homegrown Australian brand that designs and manufactures electric scooters, such as the Mearth S, S Pro, RS, RS Pro, the GTS Evo, GTS Max Evo and the futuristic Mearth Cyber. These models are known for their lightweight construction, smooth, powerful ride, and smart and innovative features. They are also eco-friendly and locally supported.

B. Price range of electric scooters in Australia

It actually depends on the brand, model, features, and quality of the electric scooters. But based on research, here are some possible ranges.

According to the Electric Scooter Price Guide in Australia, the prices of electric scooters in Australia vary, depending on their size, specs, features, category, condition and performance.

Generally, they can be priced as low as $699 and range up to $2500 or more, with most people spending between $900-$1500. There are others that can range up to $3000-$8000.

Again, the range may vary, depending on the source, date, and availability of the electric scooters. Therefore, they should be used as a reference only and not as an exact or definitive guide. The prospective buyer can compare different electric scooters based on needs, budget, and preferences.

C. Battery Type

The battery type segment refers to the type of battery that powers the electric scooters. The report identifies three main battery types: sealed lead acid (SLA) battery, lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, and others.

Further in the report, the Li-ion battery segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2019, due to its superior performance, quality, and features. It is also expected to maintain its dominance during and after the forecast period, due to its increasing adoption and innovation.

D. Voltage Type

The voltage type segment refers to the voltage level of the electric scooters and identifies four main voltage types: 24 V, 36 V, 48 V, and >48 V.

The same report also indicated that the >48 V segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate even beyond the forecast period, due to its increasing demand among consumers who prefer extreme speed, power, and range.

E. Technology

This refers to the mode of charging or operating the electric scooters. In the report, two main technologies were identified: plug-in and battery.

• Plug-in: This type of technology involves plugging the electric scooter into an external power source, such as a wall socket or a charging station, to recharge its battery. It is simple, convenient, and widely available. However, it also depends on the availability and compatibility of the power source, as well as the charging time and cost.

• Battery: This type of technology involves swapping or replacing the battery of the electric scooter with a fully charged one when it runs out of power. It is fast, flexible, and independent. However, it also requires extra batteries, storage space, and maintenance.

The sales channel, which is the online segment is expected to grow faster than the offline segment. Indeed the world-wide web has given shoppers, retailers, and resellers quick access to the needed information, and greater options, at their fingertips.

Having detailed the pros, and the cons, including those influenced by the trends and challenges in the industry like the development of smart electric scooters, the emergence of e-scooter sharing services, the competition from other modes of transport, and the safety and legal issues related to electric scooters, today’s market players are adopting various strategies, such as product innovation, expansion, strategic partnerships, and acquisition, so as to gain a competitive edge in the Australian market.

Another report bared the e-scooter sharing segment in Australia and was projected to reach US$ 43.94 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 16.80% from 2023 to 2027. While another report which is from Statistica Market Forecast, the scooters segment in Australia is projected to reach US$ 41.04 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.63% from 2023 to 2027.

All things considered, this is good news, for indeed there is something to look forward to, with expectations and optimism for the e-scooter riders, and one that is beneficial for the environment.