Ben Stokes and teammates escape penalty over helmetless e-scooter ride in Brisbane
The helmet-free joy rides by three English cricket stars have been labelled “disappointing”, as the trio bag a win after dodging a fine from police.
Three English cricket stars — including Captain Ben Stokes — will not be fined by Queensland Police despite being photographed breaking road rules in Brisbane.
Queensland Police confirmed Stokes, fast bowler Mark Wood and wicket keeper Jamie Smith would not be fined despite the trio riding e-scooters around South Brisbane without helmets.
Failing to wear a helmet carries a fine of $166 under Queensland’s road rules.
The English Cricket Board, through a spokesman, said the matter had been “dealt with” and no further comment would be made, with Queensland Police noting officers had “engaged” with the trio to remind them of the rules.
But the free pass prompted a chorus of condemnation from leading health professionals, who warned helmets were crucial for safety and authorities needed to enforce the rules.
A total of 12 people have died in crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters in Queensland so far this year — up from eight in 2024.
The staggering increasing in death and injuries prompted an inquiry into the safety of the devices and Queensland’s laws — with the state government set to receive a final report in March next year.
AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim said it was “disappointing” to see English cricketers disobeying helmet rules while riding e-scooters in Brisbane.
“It will be frustrating for our emergency doctors, who deal regularly with the result of crashes, falls and other accidents involving these devices. Soft tissue damage, facial injuries, broken teeth, cuts and abrasions – and in far too many cases, serious injury or death,” Dr Yim said.
“We’re sure the English players have a lot on their minds after losing their first Ashes test, but wearing safety helmets shouldn’t be something they forget.
“AMA Queensland strongly advocates for tougher enforcement of existing road rules, ensuring those who fail to wear helmets face consequences for their actions.”
Public Health Association of Australia chief executive Terry Slevin said it doesn’t matter where you are or who you are, you should follow the rules in the jurisdiction.
“There shouldn’t be a consideration for Ashes diplomacy. It should be a consideration for the consistency of application of the rules, because that’s in everybody’s interest,” Mr Slevin said.
“If I go to England and I drink drive, I speed, or I break any other rules, I would expect that the constabulary there would prosecute those regulations in that jurisdiction.
“It seems to me to make perfect logical sense that Queensland Police should do the same with these e-scooters. Helmets are important safety devices.”
Mr Slevin said it was important to send a “consistent signal” about the safe use of transport devices on roads.
E-mobility safety advocate and anaesthetic registrar Dr Matthew Clanfield said the use of helmets on e-scooters and e-bikes was crucial for safety.
Dr Clanfield also said that e-scooter rules were tougher in England — including that e-scooter riders must wear helmets.
People under the age of 16 also aren’t allowed on e-scooters in England, and in parts of the country public e-scooters are turned off on Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 7am to reduce drunken incidents.
England batter Ollie Pope conceded the players involved should have abided by the rules.
“Just put a helmet on next time I guess. Rules are rules I guess. No other comment from me,” Pope said before his side trained at the Gabba on Tuesday.
An England Cricket Board spokesman dismissed questions from this masthead about whether players would be facing any internal repercussions and if the team or players would pay the equivalent of the fines to charity.
Asked on the phone if players would face any internal punishment, the spokesman insisted the matter had been “dealt with” and they would be making no further comment beyond what was said in the press conference. He then hung up before other questions could be asked.
When pushed for a written statement, a spokesman said: “The matter has been addressed, and we have no further comment.
“We acknowledge that helmets are required when using e-scooters in Brisbane,” he said.
Bond University criminologist Professor Terry Goldsworthy, a former police officer, said people flouting the laws should be fined.
“I think the police should consider fining them,” Dr Goldsworthy said.
“The issue of e-mobility devices has now been so widely discussed and so problematic that I’d be surprised if anyone in the community is not aware what is appropriate and inappropriate of the usage of these devices.
“At some stage the police will need to understand that educating and warning people is having no effect and you need to start giving people a deterrence, and that is by enforcing it and fining people.”
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg, who has faced calls to tighten e-bike and e-scooter laws, skewered the touring players.
“I don’t want to see anyone bowled over on our streets – though judging by recent form, the Poms seem to prefer getting themselves out,” he said.
“We’ve already seen too many fatal and serious e-scooter crashes, and riding without a helmet isn’t just a bad shot – it’s a dangerous one.
“The rules are there for a reason, no matter who you are – strap on a helmet and stay safe.”
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Originally published as Ben Stokes and teammates escape penalty over helmetless e-scooter ride in Brisbane
