E-scooter rebels face tough new fines as rideshare trial becomes permanent

Rebel e-scooter riders are set to feel the pinch with harsh new penalties coming into force on Friday, with the state government introducing some of “toughest laws” in the country.

Harsh new penalties come into force on Friday for e-scooter users flouting the rules as part of a Victorian government push to improve safety and rein in bad behaviour.

The fine for riding without a helmet jumps from $247 to $395, while footpath breaches will incur a $296 penalty, up from $198.

The tougher measures for all e-scooter riders coincide with the official end of the two-year trial for rental e-scooters.

The tougher fines will impact people not wearing helmets and sharing an e-scooter. Picture: Ian Currie

The City of Melbourne withdrew from its e-scooter agreement with Lime and Neuron but Yarra, Port Phillip and Ballarat councils now continue to allow hundreds of powered two-wheelers on their streets permanently.

Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said she hoped that awareness of

the strengthened laws would keep riders safe.

“We know there have been safety concerns, and that’s why we’re introducing some of the toughest new laws in the country, alongside a new education campaign to make them safer,” she said.

Rental e-scooters arrived in Melbourne two years ago. Picture: Ian Currie

Passengers on e-scooter passengers will also face new penalties of up to $642 if they are

not wearing a helmet.

And anyone riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol are subject to the same laws as motorists.

The trial, overseen by the state government, was extended three times after its introduction in Ballarat in December 2021, and then in the Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip municipalities in February 2022.

Melbourne councillors voted on August 13 to give Lime and Neuron 30 days’ notice that Town Hall would tear up their contracts. E-bicycles are still available for hire.

Pedestrian and disability groups are concerned about e-scooters on footpaths.

The Herald Sun reported last month the horrific injury legacy of e-scooters in central Melbourne. Data from the Royal Melbourne Hospital revealed that more than 500 riders were treated at the emergency department over two years, with 13 patients treated in intensive care.

RMH emergency medicine physician Sarah Whitelaw said riders were suffering life-changing injuries.

New laws next year will set minimum standards for e-scooter rental companies, such as improved safety equipment.