Townsville Police issues warning to e-scooter riders to wear helmets after two hospitalised
A North Queensland police officer has pleaded with the community to take care when using e-scooters after two people began the new year with a hospital trip.
Townsville
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A North Queensland police officer has pleaded with the community to take care when using e-scooters after two people began the new year with a hospital trip.
On New Year’s Day, a woman in her 40s was taken to Townsville University Hospital after an e-scooter incident on Saunders Street.
The next day, a woman in her 20s was rushed to hospital after a fall from an e-scooter, injuring her leg and hip.
Townsville Highway Patrol sergeant Nathan Ivey said it was easy for accidents to occur on e-scooters.
“They have a very small wheel which doesn’t generate a lot of force to go over obstacles,” Mr Ivey said.
“Even the smallest stick or rock can throw an e-scooter rider off their path or off the device all together.”
In 2024, eight people were killed from e-scooter accidents across Queensland, six more than 2023, when two were killed.
Mr Ivey said it was only a matter of time until someone dies from an e-scooter incident in 2025.
“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” he said.
“A lot of people may think riding a scooter isn’t a high risk activity ... it is high risk.
“If people aren’t wearing a helmet, their head is going to hit the ground, hard. Generally they’re not riding on the grass, so it’s not going to be a soft landing.”
Mr Ivey encouraged residents to think twice before deciding not to wear a helmet.
“Every single time, wear a helmet. Never underestimate how easy it is to lose your balance or be stopped by the smallest crack in a footpath,” he said.
“It’s not tough not to wear a helmet, put the helmet on. You only get one head.
“If you come off, there’s a very good chance that helmet will save your head.”
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