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Police seen fining e-bike rider days after new law introduced

A picture of an e-bike rider being fined by four police officers has sparked debate over whether Australia has become a nanny state.

E-scooter filmed at speeds over 90kmph before crash (A Current Affair)

A picture of an e-bike rider being fined by four police officers has sparked debate over whether Australia has become a nanny state.

The cyclist was stopped by four cops as they travelled along a footbridge in Brisbane.

A new law in Queensland requires e-scooter and e-bike users to stay under 12km/h on walkways.

Those who break the rule, which was introduced this month, can be fined up to $575 for speeding, with the penalty rising to as much as $1,078 if police deem it dangerous driving.

An e-bike rider (left) copped a fine from police for riding on a footpath. Picture: Reddit
An e-bike rider (left) copped a fine from police for riding on a footpath. Picture: Reddit

Commenters were divided over the police’s actions.

“Typical nanny state, money grabbing racket,” one person wrote.

“Just what we need. Four cops on a bridge protecting civilians from scooterists,” another said.

But others said they were glad to see the police clamping down on e-scooter riders.

“Fantastic! This year alone I missed being hit by the skin of my teeth twice,” one said.

While another person said: “Good. Slow down. Those things are dangerous.”

The new Queensland law, brought in on November 1, also say e-scooters and e-bikes can be used in road bike lanes where the speed limit is below 50km/h or it is separated from the road.

Riders must obey road laws, wear a helmet and have a bell attached when on the road

Originally published as Police seen fining e-bike rider days after new law introduced

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/motoring/hitech/police-seen-fining-ebike-rider-days-after-new-law-introduced/news-story/d99cde5e8227e09963991bb4a9c88cfe