Police yet to hand out eScooter fines despite riders routinely breaking little known laws

POLICE in Darwin have not issued a single fine to an eScooter rider despite the routine flouting of the law by users and more than 50 known accidents

NT Police have yet to issue fines for misuse of eScooters in Darwin. Picture: Che Chorley

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POLICE in Darwin have not issued a single fine to an eScooter rider despite the routine flouting of the law by users and as many as 65 specific “incidents” coming to their attention since the trial began in January.

The Neuron electric scooters have been on the city’s streets since the start of the year as part of a 12-month trial spearheaded by the Darwin council which required an official exemption from NT motor vehicles legislation before it could get under way.

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The exemption — issued via government gazette in January and extended again this month — means the scooters can be legally ridden on footpaths.

But the exemption also comes with strict conditions, including that riders “must” wear an approved bicycle helmet, be at least 18 years old and not carry another person on the back.

Despite a lack of publicity around the rules, another condition is that “a person must not use or be permitted to use an electric scooter unless they have been made aware of and accepted the above conditions of use”.

An NT Police spokeswoman said officers had been made aware of 65 eScooter incidents since the trial began, including alcohol affected riders, a lack of helmets and underage riders but “nil infringements have been handed out”.

“Police are asking those who use the eScooters to abide by the rules and ensure you wear a helmet to protect yourself,” she said.

“Please do not ride on the roads or use the eScooters while intoxicated.”

The spokeswoman said officers took “appropriate action” when dealing with incidents which were dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

St John Ambulance regional manager Andrew Everingham said ambos had recorded 30 eScooter related triple-0 call outs since January — 19 of which involved injuries to the face or head.

“We recognise that eScooters are a fun way for families and friends to explore Darwin, however, there is potential for serious injuries if riders ignore necessary precautions,” he said.

“It is important that people not use the scooters while intoxicated and always keep a respectful distance between pedestrians and other vehicles.

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“Wearing a helmet is also crucially important to protect against severe injuries.”

City of Darwin general manager of innovation, growth and development Josh Sattler said uptake and feedback on the trial had been “very positive”, with a “full review” to be conducted in January.

“The City of Darwin has been advised of a number of injuries associated with use of the eScooters,” he said.

“We ask that anyone using the eScooter please obey the rules — namely to not use them on the road, always wear a helmet, one person on eScooters at any one time and users to be over 18 years.”