Veteran hit by e-scooter in Mooloolaba calls for e-scooter rules

An Australian Defence Force Veteran, who was hit by an e-scooter before allegedly being attacked by it’s wood-wielding rider, said someone will die if more isn’t done to protect pedestrians.

A Defence Force Veteran with PTSD says his faith in others has been shattered after his arm was snapped in a brutal alleged attack in broad daylight on a coastal walkway.

The 75-year-old Sunshine Coast resident who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal was walking with his wife and daughter between Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland when a teen on an e-scooter allegedly launched a violent, unprovoked attack.

The former serviceman said the 16-year-old rider ploughed into him and then launched a vicious assault.

“This kid just ran straight into me … and started abusing me, went into the bush and got a hunk of wood,” he said.

“I was trying to keep him at bay saying ‘just keep away don’t be silly’, but as soon as I turned around (he) just laid into me.”

The man was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital after the August 7 attack and underwent surgery four days later to have a permanent metal plate inserted in his wrist.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs pensioner said the assault “resurrected” trauma from the military, pushed him back years in his battle against anxiety and depression and caused severe panic attacks.

“I have lost much of my faith in others and once again no longer see the world as a safe and predictable place,” he said.

“I have been unable to get a good night’s sleep and have noticed a huge difference in my day-to-day positivity and ability to deal with issues.”

A 75-year-old Veteran suffered a broken wrist when he was hit and assaulted by an e-scooter rider on August 7. Picture: Supplied.

The man said the influx of electric devices was impacting pedestrians’ ability to walk safely and he said clear rule enforcement was needed from the Sunshine Coast Council, Queensland Police and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

He said motorised devices such as e-scooters should be limited to 10km/h on Mooloolaba footpaths, banned from the Spit rock wall and made to walk in high pedestrian areas such as near the surf club.

“Some of these motorised devices fly … and they are just weaving in and out of pedestrians,” he said.

“I could have been knocked to the ground and killed on the 7th of August but I wasn't, which was fortunate but a young five-year-old kid could get run over by one of those motorised devices and killed.”

Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli agreed riders should walk in busy areas and said e-scooter’s, regularly modified to travel at faster speeds, were a “recipe for disaster”.

Mr Natoli called for the state government to bring in harsh laws that would see modified devices confiscated.

“Pedestrians and these motorised scooters are going to come into more and more conflict and I hate to think something that happened in August could happen again,” he said.

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said Queensland motorised device riders must give way to pedestrians when on paths, and travel at a safe speed and distance to avoid collisions while adhering to certain specifications including a maximum speed of 25km/h.

“The Queensland Road Rules, if adhered to, provide for the safe use of PMDs, including on footpaths and other pedestrian infrastructure.”

A 75-year-old Veteran is pushing for rules to be enforced on motorised scooter and bike users after a traumatic experience on a Mooloolaba footpath.

The spokesman said it was Queensland Police’s responsibility to enforce the road rules and said the Sunshine Coast Council did have the power to ban their use on busy esplanades.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey will host a forum later in the year to discuss safety.

A Queensland Police spokesman said officers would continue to enforce laws around motorised devices as directed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesman said the council would continue campaigns to promote safety information and ensure riders follow rules.

The spokesman noted recreational device users were required to dismount before entering the new Alexandra Headland to Mooloolaba boardwalk or use the existing alternative shared path closer to Mooloolaba Esplanade.

The alleged 16-year-old driver, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle and assault occasioning bodily harm.

He is expected to face Children’s Court in December.