Slytherin Out, Scooters In: Melbourne Mayors Mobilise for e-Mobility Enchantment

In a whimsical turn of events, the Mayors of Merri-bek, Moonee Ponds, and Darebin have been spotted zooming through their cities on e-scooters, donning mayoral robes that fluttered behind them like capes from a scene straight out of Hogwarts. The trio, akin to a modern-day Order of the Phoenix, have united under the banner of sustainability and convenience, casting a spell of shared mobility over their realms.

Adam Pulford of Merribek and Susanne Newton of Darebin, both proudly sporting the green of the Greens, alongside Labour's valiant Pierce Tyson of Moonee Valley, have declared their intention to conjure a zone where e-scooters and e-bikes shall roam free. Their enchantment aims to bridge the critical gaps in east-west travel, promising to whisk residents away from the clutches of lengthy public transport journeys.

Meanwhile, the plot thickens as the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece, who might as well have been sorted into Slytherin, has cast a banishing charm on rental e-scooters within his city's borders. This controversial move abruptly ended Melbourne’s participation in the state government's trial, leaving the e-scooter community in bewilderment.

But fear not, for our heroic mayors are not deterred. With eyes set on the future, they plan to work their magic with e-scooter operators and the state government to establish a zone that spans their municipalities. Merribek Council is poised to decide on this eco-friendly transportation in early 2025, while Darebin has already allocated a treasure chest of $50,000 to trial these magical steeds. Moonee Valley acknowledges the spellbinding community and environmental benefits that await.

Dame Edna's E-Scooter Endorsement: 'Glide with Grace and Gossip!

Former resident Dame Edna Everage has even provided some heaven-sent support:

“Darlings, if you want to glide through Moonee Ponds with the grace of a gazelle and the speed of a gossip, get yourself an e-scooter. It’s the only way to travel that’s chic, green, and keeps your hairdo absolutely perfect.”

Darebin's Newton, with the wisdom of a true Gryffindor, hopes that this northern alliance will influence Melbourne City Council to reconsider its retreat from the e-scooter front, calling the withdrawal "short-sighted" and not befitting the spirit of innovation and progress.

So, grab your helmets and join the ride as we watch this tale of sustainability unfold, where the only thing more electric than the scooters is the air of change sweeping through these visionary cities.

Merri-bek Mayor Adam Pulford, Darebin Mayor Susanne Newton and Moonee Valley Mayor Pierce Tyson support e-scooters. Photo Source: Jason South, The Age