transport · City of Hobart
Hobart to seek new shared e-bike operator for October 2026 start
City of Hobart has backed an open tender for a new shared micromobility provider, with the next program to run as an e-bike-only service from 1 October 2026.
Hobart is moving to an e-bike-only shared micromobility scheme, with the city set to go to market for a new operator ahead of an October 2026 start.
At its 27 April meeting, City of Hobart endorsed officers beginning an open public tender for a new Shared Micromobility Program provider under permit. The minutes record that the future program will be exclusively for e-bikes from 1 October 2026.
The change sets a clear direction for the city’s next hire scheme later this year. For residents and visitors, it points to a narrower shared mobility offer than a broader micromobility model, with shared e-bikes to be the only device covered under the new program.
The decision was one of several practical items dealt with at the meeting. Councillors also adopted the 2026-27 fees and charges schedule, including amended planning application fees for change of use to visitor accommodation, set at $250 for permitted applications and $5,000 for discretionary applications.
In central Hobart, the council also identified the area centred on City Hall, Theatre Royal/Hedberg, TMAG and Federation Concert Hall, and potentially Council Centre, Town Hall and Civic Square/Mawsons Place, as a future cultural precinct. It agreed to work with state and cultural partners on a proposal and business case.
Elsewhere, councillors received and noted a petition titled Keep Green Spaces in South Hobart Shared for all Community Members, decided to take no further action on it, and said lead petitioners would be advised of the report information.
The minutes also show council approved an amendment to TasWater’s existing lease at Cornelian Bay Point to allow the importation of an additional 15,000 cubic metres of fill, including low-level contaminated soil and clean fill.
Next, officers are to start the micromobility tender process ahead of the 1 October 2026 commencement date for the new e-bike program.
Reference minutes
Based on City of Hobart Council public minutes from the 27 April 2026 meeting.
Key facts from the minutes
- City of Hobart endorsed officers commencing an open market public tender for a new Shared Micromobility Program provider under permit.
- The Shared Micromobility Program is to be exclusively for e-bikes from 1 October 2026.
- Council adopted the 2026-27 Schedule of Fees and Charges, including visitor accommodation planning application fees of $250 for permitted applications and $5,000 for discretionary applications.
- Council identified the City Hall, Theatre Royal/Hedberg, TMAG and Federation Concert Hall area, with possible inclusion of Council Centre, Town Hall and Civic Square/Mawsons Place, as a future cultural precinct.
- Council received and noted the South Hobart green spaces petition and decided no further action would be taken on it.
- Council approved an amendment to TasWater's lease at Cornelian Bay Point to allow an additional 15,000 cubic metres of fill to be imported.
Why it matters
- Residents can expect Hobart’s next shared hire mobility service to be limited to e-bikes from 1 October 2026, marking a service change in how the city’s shared micromobility program will operate.