E-scooter speed limit slashed in new safety crackdown

As fines for riding e-scooters without helmet double, the Government is introducing tough new laws aimed at keeping both pedestrians and riders safe. SEE THE CHANGES

Speed limits will be slashed and warning devices made mandatory for e-scooters in Queensland, under sweeping safety reforms that will kick off from November.

The planned overhaul of the rules comes amid a surge in personal mobility device riders who have been caught in the past year flouting helmet rules.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey will today unveil the State Government’s Personal Mobility Device Safety Action Plan, detailing when the new reforms will come into effect.

From November 1, speed limits on some footpaths will be halved to 12km/h, while e-scooters will need to be equipped with warning devices, such as a bell.

Enforcement powers to take non-compliant devices off the streets will also be introduced under the first tranche of reforms, as well as increased penalties for riders who break the rules.

“E-scooters are an emerging form of transport, and they aren’t going anywhere,” Mr Bailey said.

“If anything, their use continues to gain popularity with those who want to leave the car at home or connect with public transport.

“That’s why it’s important we have a plan on how we improve safety for e-scooter riders, and for those who use our cycleways, footpaths and roads.”

E-scooter riders in the Riverwalk at New Farm, Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

The value of the tougher penalties is yet to be determined, but they will apply to high-risk offences such as speeding, mobile phone usage and riding on prohibited roads.

In the 12 months to February 28, there were 31 fines issued to personal mobility device riders who were caught using their mobile phones while behind the handlebars.

There were also 1824 fines dished out over the same 12-month period to personal mobility device riders who were not wearing a helmet – more than double the 666 fines issued the year before.

Mr Bailey said police had launched “behaviour blitzes” aimed at cracking down on rule-breaking riders – with a focus on urban areas of Brisbane where e-scooter usage is particularly high.

In the long term, the Government wants to develop import rules with the Commonwealth, as well as build more active-transport infrastructure.

And Mr Bailey said that in the medium term, the Government wanted to finalise an improved parking plan for e-scooters that would be adopted by councils across the state.

A working group – which includes pedestrian and disability advocates – has been assembled to work on parking solutions for pathways around the inner city.

“The plan strikes the right balance and acknowledges that this technology is here to stay,” Mr Bailey said.

“But we need to continue to adapt the framework that supports these devices to ensure everyone’s safety, particularly people with disabilities.”