E-scooter crackdown switches to Brisbane’s night-life precincts after $20k worth of fines since Monday

More than $20,000 in fines have been handed out since Monday as police launch a blitz on Brisbane e-scooter riders. The crackdown will now switch to the city’s night-life precincts.

E-scooter riders have been hit with more than $20,000 worth of fines in less than four days as part of a week-long police blitz.

Since Monday, 80 riders have been fined $137 for not wearing a helmet, totalling $10,960 in fines. Fifty-two have been fined $183 for speeding, totalling $9516 in fines.

The largest individual fine of $413 was given to a woman who was texting while riding her e-scooter to work.

Brisbane e-scooter riders are being targeted by police.

The focus of the police crackdown will switch to Brisbane’s night-life precincts in Fortitude Valley and the CBD on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Riders who share one scooter, fail to wear helmets, use their phones while riding, speed, or drive while intoxicated will be targeted by police.

Queensland Police Acting Sergeant Duncan Hall said riders needed to understand that their actions could cause serious injury to themselves or those around them.

Transport and Main Roads general manager of Land Transport Safety and Regulation Andrew Mahon said the improper use of e-scooters could have serious consequences.

“So we need riders to adhere to the rules – always wear a helmet, don’t exceed the speed limit and don’t drink and ride,” he said.