Hundreds of e-scooter riders busted flouting safety rules as police deliver two-day crackdown

Riders making the most of Victoria’s long-running trial appear to be taking little notice of repeated safety messages, with hundreds busted doing the wrong thing during a two-day crackdown. 

More than 130 e-scooter users cruising through Melbourne CBD have been slapped with hefty fines by Victoria Police for failing to wear their helmet during a 48-hour crackdown.

The operation – a clear sign that police are fed up by the continual flouting of rules – saw almost 300 riders in total issued with infringements for a variety of reckless behaviours.

More than 150 of those on-the-spot fines were dished out in only a few hours.

The Herald Sun revealed in April the state government would extend its long-running trial for a third time in a move which later drew concern from Lord Mayor Sally Capp.

Ms Capp said the move had “delayed” critical safety improvements, including the rollout of technology to stop rule breakers from riding on footpaths.

More than 130 riders were busted during a two-day crackdown for failing to wear their helmet. Picture: supplied

A further 73 riders were slapped with a $192 infringement after they were caught riding on footpaths through the city – currently illegal in Victoria unless using a designated shared path.

Another twelve riders were caught failing to obey red traffic lights, while police also uncovered five unregistered e-scooters which resulted in a $962 infringement.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said authorities would prioritise catching out users who were doing the wrong thing over coming months.

“The time for leniency is over – the e-scooter rules under the government trial have been in effect for some time now, so there is no excuse for not knowing what you can and can’t do on an e-scooter,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner Glen Weir said authorities will be paying particular attention to riders who were found doing the wrong thing. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Transit Safety Division Acting Inspector Michael Tsaloumas said the vehicles needed to be used responsibly to ensure the safety of all road users and pedestrians.

“We’re seeing far too many riders involved in collisions with pedestrians on footpaths and around transport hubs, with some resulting in significant injuries,” he said.

“Riders must adhere to the rules, including not riding on the footpath and wearing a helmet at all times – those who don’t will be held to account and face significant penalties.”

E-scooter crashes sent more than 180 people to hospital over a six-month period, according to recent St Vincent’s Hospital emergency department data.