One of Melbourne's most prestigious private schools has taken a firm stance against the rising trend of electric personal transport, banning e-bikes and e-scooters from its grounds entirely. Scotch College, located in Hawthorn, has implemented the immediate ban citing significant safety risks for its students.
Immediate Action Following Safety Incidents
In a decisive move, Scotch College Principal Dr Scott Marsh communicated the new policy directly to parents and guardians. The decision was not taken lightly but was deemed necessary following a series of concerning incidents. Dr Marsh stated that the school had observed "a number of near misses and unsafe riding practices" involving these electric vehicles on and around the school premises.
The core of the issue lies in the speed and silent operation of these devices. Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters can accelerate quickly and move with little noise, creating a hazardous environment in crowded school zones where younger students and pedestrians are present. The school's leadership concluded that the potential for a serious accident was too great to ignore.
Details of the New Transport Policy
The ban is comprehensive and leaves little room for ambiguity. It explicitly prohibits students from riding or bringing e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar electric-powered transport devices onto any part of the Scotch College campus. This policy applies to all students regardless of their year level.
Importantly, the school has clarified that the prohibition extends to the journey to and from school. Students are not permitted to ride these devices to the school gates and then walk them in. The ban is total for the entire duration of the school day and its associated activities.
For students who rely on personal transport, the school continues to endorse and support the use of standard, non-electric bicycles. Safe cycling practices and proper storage for regular bikes remain part of the school's supportive framework.
Wider Implications and School Response
This policy shift by Scotch College places it at the forefront of a growing national conversation about the regulation of personal electric mobility devices, particularly concerning minors. While state governments grapple with broader laws for public roads and footpaths, individual institutions like schools are taking matters into their own hands to ensure duty of care within their boundaries.
The school's administration has framed the decision as a necessary, proactive measure for duty of care. By eliminating these specific vehicles from the campus environment, the school aims to drastically reduce the risk of collisions and injuries. The move is expected to simplify supervision and allow staff to focus on other aspects of student safety.
It is anticipated that other educational institutions across Australia, especially private schools with large campuses, will be watching the outcome of Scotch College's policy closely. The decision highlights the tension between embracing new technology and managing the inherent risks it can pose in community settings.
Parents of Scotch College students have been urged to discuss the new rules with their children and to make alternative travel arrangements where necessary. The school has committed to monitoring the situation and the policy's effectiveness as the new school term progresses.
