Underage e-scooter riders fined amid insurance concerns

Dozens of e-scooter riders who took part in a state government trial have been fined for being underage.

Dozens of e-scooter riders taking part in a state government trial have been fined for being under 18 as concerns are raised about insurance coverage for underage riders.

E-scooter operators Lime and Neuron are required to provide insurance for the inner city trial, but riders breaking the rules may not be covered for accidents.

Users simply tick a box to say they are 18 or over.

Victoria Police figures show that riders under 18 were issued with 61 fines worth $185 each between December 1, 2021 and January 31 this year.

There were a total 252 crashes involving e-scooters across all age groups during the 12 months to November 30, 2022.

Victoria Walks executive Ben Rossiter said the number of fines handed out to riders was a drop in the ocean for what was occurring on footpaths and streets.

“We see schoolkids illegally riding on e-scooters most days, which makes it unpleasant or unsafe for elderly walkers and families to walk on footpaths,” he said.

“The reality is there is no incentive for the e-scooter operators to ensure riders are behaving legally.”

Mr Rossiter said the government must ensure children are protected and don’t put themselves in danger.

Dozens of e-scooter riders taking part in a state government trial have been fined for being under 18.

A Department of Transport and Planning spokeswoman said operators participating in the trial are required to have insurance policies which provide coverage for injuries or damage that may result from use of their e-scooters.

“There are stringent laws in place to ensure safety,” she said.

“E-scooter operators have clear protocols in place to ensure riders sign up to a comprehensive list of riding rules – including being 18 years or older – before they take their first trip.”

The government warned that rider insurance coverage may not apply in an accident if the person was breaking the rules or hire conditions, although the coverage level may differ between operators.

A Neuron spokeswoman said the company had strict rules that were reinforced and most people rode responsibly.

“However, if riders do break the rules or ride dangerously they can be suspended from the service and underage riders will be banned from the service entirely,” she said.

When Neuron bans and suspends accounts it also covers the phone used to register, so riders cannot sign up again on the same phone. Underage riders must show valid ID to be reinstated.

A Lime spokeswoman said underage riding was taken seriously and it took steps to both prevent and punish such improper riding.

“Lime has clear terms of conditions stated on both our app and website regarding riding age, and any reports of underage riding are investigated by our local team,” she said.

The trial, involving Melbourne, Yarra, Port Phillip and Ballarat councils, will end soon and is being evaluated with the help of police, councils and ­operators.