Toowoomba E-scooter riders put on notice as new rules take affect

Police will be paying close attention as they look for riders who are not wearing a helmet, using their phone, drunk or speeding while on an E-scooter.

New rules for escooters have taken affect. Pic Mark Cranitch.

E-scooters have become increasingly common on Toowoomba streets, but their riders will have to comply with tough new laws or face stiff penalties.

As of yesterday anyone riding an e-scooter on a footpath is limited to 12km/h while all devices must be fitted with a bell to warn pedestrians.

To further improve pedestrians’ safety, e-scooters riders will also be allowed to use segregated bikeways.

Riders caught not complying with these rules will be fined at least $137.

Toowoomba Road Policing Unit officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Kim Hill said police were seeing an increasing number of riders getting around town without helmets on or riding while using a mobile phone.

“Personal mobility devices are great things but you have to ride in a respectful way and give way to pedestrians,” she said.

“If you are caught doing the wrong thing, the police may issue fines but we will start with education.”

While users don’t need a driver’s licence to ride an e-scooter they must still follow the road rules.

This means no drunk driving and riders must give way to pedestrians.

Police can issue a $137 fine for riding more than 25km over the speed limit and $413 for using a phone while riding.

Importantly, children under 12 cannot ride them, and children under 16 can only ride if they are supervised by an adult.

“People treat them as toys but they are not,” Sgt Hill said.

The changes are part of State Government reforms to regulate the vehicle class and reduce serious or fatal crashes.

They will be followed by an education campaign around wearing helmets, overtaking pedestrians, parking and how to ride safely.

“The rising popularity of e-scooters is a clear sign they aren’t going to disappear,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

“We know that people are going to keep using them so the key is making sure that shared spaces like footpaths and bike-lanes are as safe as they can be.

“That’s why I joined industry and user groups, disability advocates, health, police and government experts late last year to understand what needs to be done to make e-scooters and their use safer for people riding them and those they ride near.”

The State Government is also looking at ways to strengthen rules around drinking while operating a scooter.

It will consult with local governments and industry groups to chart a path forward.

Originally published as Toowoomba E-scooter riders put on notice as new rules take affect