Up to $1078 in fines for E-scooter rule breakers in Queensland

Penalties of up to $1078 have been introduced for E-scooter offences in one state in a bid to halt reckless riding and injuries.

New ramped up fines for E-scooter offences will have riders up to $1078 out of pocket for a range of rules from Tuesday in Queensland.

In a bid to halt reckless riding and injuries, the tougher penalties have been introduced to state legislation for E-scooters and personal mobility devices (PMD), in line with cycling laws.

Speeding tickets ranging from $143 to $575 will be handed to riders caught breaking rules under the new tiered fine system.

The fine for drinking alcohol while riding has been hiked to $431, and riders caught using a mobile phone while riding an E-scooter will face a huge $1078 penalty.

There are also new speed limit rules for E-scooters in Queensland.

The tougher penalties have been introduced in a bid to halt reckless riding and injuries.

Speeding tickets ranging from $143 to $575 will be handed to riders caught breaking rules under the new tiered fine system. Picture: Ian Currie

New speed limits of 12 km/h along footpaths and 25km/h on bike paths and roads were prompted by a wave of serious injuries to E-scooter riders and pedestrians across Queensland.

The mode of transport with growing popularity is also worrying road safety campaigners in other states and territories.

Transport for NSW stated, “You can only use shared E-scooters hired through an approved e-scooter provider on NSW roads or related areas, such as shared paths, in trial areas, but privately owned E-scooters are not allowed on NSW roads or related areas (including in trial areas).”

Victoria does not allow private E-scooters on public roads and footpaths, but riding commercial E-scooters in certain areas is allowed.

In Western Australia, E-scooters are permitted on footpaths and shared paths. Picture: Ian Currie

Adelaide has a strict “no E-scooters” policy on roads or footpaths, bike/pedestrian tracks or vehicle parking areas, as the devices “do not meet the standards for vehicle registration”.

In Western Australia, E-scooters are permitted on footpaths and shared paths, so long as the rider keeps left and gives way to pedestrians.

Tasmania has a very specific guideline for E-scooters, which must be less than 125cm long, 70cm wide and 135cm high, weigh under 45kg, are not capable of travelling faster than 25km/h and are designed to be ridden by one person at a time.

Originally published as Up to $1078 in fines for E-scooter rule breakers in Queensland