Bundaberg’s new e-scooter safety rules target vandals, unsafe riders

New rules and patrols are being introduced to clean up e-scooter use in Bundaberg and Bargara, with fines, surveillance, and community education aimed at curbing bad behaviour.

Damaged neuron e-scooters from Bundaberg. PHOTO: Burnett River Clean

New safety and enforcement measures have been introduced in Bundaberg and Bargara in a bid to improve the commercial e-scooter experience for both riders and the wider community.

The initiative follows a community survey conducted by Bundaberg Regional Council, which gathered feedback from residents on the use of Neuron Mobility e-scooters. The company holds a commercial permit to operate in parts of Bundaberg and Bargara.

While the survey highlighted the positive impact the e-scooters have had since their rollout three years ago, residents also raised concerns around safety, rider behaviour, parking, and helmet vandalism.

Mayor Helen Blackburn said Council had listened to the community and was working proactively with the operator to see the issues addressed.

Damaged neuron e-scooter from Bundaberg. PHOTO: Burnett River Clean

“We’ve received consistent feedback about rider behaviour, parking, helmet vandalism and litter,” she said.

“In response, we’ve worked closely with Neuron to introduce measures to improve the e-scooter experience for everyone.”

The new measures include the introduction of helmet patrollers — dedicated staff who retrieve discarded helmets from public areas — and QR codes on helmets to help the public report those that have been lost or left behind.

Neuron has also committed to continued rider education and plans to host a community event promoting responsible e-scooter use.

Improved artificial intelligence capabilities have also enabled the company to track whether helmets are returned properly, allowing for fines to be issued to users who discard or damage them.

Neuron Mobility Head of Operations Australia and New Zealand Michael De Almeida said the ongoing vandalism of e-scooters in Bundaberg, particularly the removal of helmets, was ‘extremely disappointing’.

“It’s irresponsible, illegal, and puts our riders at risk,” he said.

“Helmets are not only a legal requirement — they’re the most important piece of safety equipment.

“We are working closely with Queensland Police, reviewing CCTV and conducting patrols.

“When those responsible are caught, we will have no hesitation pressing charges and seeking restitution.

“This type of behaviour has no place in Bundaberg and if anyone in the community witnesses this or has information on those responsible, please contact Queensland Police or our customer service team.”

Mayor Blackburn said safety was Council’s number one priority.

These e-scooters were taken out of the Burnett River. PHOTO: Burnett River Clean

“We are committed to creating a safer, more practical environment for e-scooter users while ensuring that Bundaberg remains a welcoming place for all members of the community,” she said.

She said the new measures, along with the ongoing commitment from Neuron, would remain in place for the entirety of the e-scooter contract which will be reviewed annually in October.

Originally published as Bundaberg’s new e-scooter safety rules target vandals, unsafe riders