E-scooter crackdown: Sunshine Coast police target dangerous riders

Sunshine Coast police have launched a major crackdown on dangerous e-scooter use after several children suffered serious injuries in recent crashes.

The Queensland Police Service’s Operation Raptor Wheelie will target illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes, following several serious accidents in recent months.

Sunshine Coast police have launched a special operation to target illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes, following several serious accidents in recent months.

The Queensland Police Service’s Operation Raptor Wheelie will use both proactive high visibility and covert patrols to target these behaviours and reduce road trauma in and around Maroochydore.

QPS revealed the operation would have “a strong focus on educating parents around their responsibilities and the consequences they face when permitting their child’s illegal use of an electric device”, as children are involved in “a large amount” of offences.

Back in January, a teenage girl suffered a life-threatening head injury in an e-scooter crash at Alexandra Headland.

She was initially rushed to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital but was later taken to the Royal Brisbane Hospital because of the extent of her injuries.

In August last year, a 12-year-old girl was almost killed when she was allegedly hit and pinned by a car while riding her e-scooter in Maroochydore.

Serious accidents like this, often involving children, are the reason Operation Raptor Wheelie will include engagement with local high schools and a focus on the role social media and public reporting plays in identifying offenders.

Sergeant Ryan Cole from Maroochydore Police Station said unlicensed driving of an unregistered vehicle, speeding and dangerous driving were key issues the operation would be targeting.

Queensland Police will target unlicensed driving of an unregistered vehicle, speeding and dangerous driving were key issues the operation would be targeting.

Mr Cole said these dangerous behaviours could include wheelies, swerving in and out of traffic, driving the wrong way on roads and adding illegal modifications to electric devices.

“For a device to be considered an e-bike, pedals must be the primary source of power and have a maximum continuous motor output 250 watts. If it does not comply with that, the e-bike is considered a motorbike, which requires the driver to have a licence, and the bike to be registered and insured,” Mr Cole said.

“These devices can be powerful and when driven dangerously by an unlicensed and inexperienced driver, can be deadly.”

The sergeant said the focus of Operation Raptor Wheelie was not to issue more fines or charges, but “to reduce the amount of road trauma we see as a result of dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes”.

“But if we have to arrest or fine [people] … then we will have to. This is about saving lives,” he said.

In December last year, a Noosa parent was fined for letting his two children use unregistered electric motorcycles, and example of the type of penalty the operation could use.

Although issuing penalties isn’t the goal, Mr Cole said parents “can and will” be fined or charged for permitting their child’s dangerous or illegal e-scooter or e-bike use.

“I urge parents to become familiar with the regulations and road rules relevant to the device their child is using and work with their child to understand and respect those rules,” he said.

“We have seen significant trauma, life-changing injuries and fatalities from e-scooters and e-bikes and I urge the community to work with us in stopping this trend for the safety of our children and all road users.

“Parents – we ask you work with us to ensure the safety of your child.”

Originally published as E-scooter crackdown: Sunshine Coast police target dangerous riders