Queensland Police warns against gifting e-scooters as teen fights for life

As a Townsville teenager fights for life after crashing his e-scooter, police have urged parents to reconsider giving them as Christmas gifts. Read the alarming statistics.

Townsville Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Robert Nalder spoke on e-scooter safety and education operation in Townsville. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A shocking e-scooter crash which saw a teenager hospitalised in a critical condition over the weekend, has added weight to Queensland Police’s call for parents to rethink gifting e-scooters this Christmas – with fatalities doubling over the past year.

A Townsville police spokeswoman said the Forensic Crash Unit was investigating a single vehicle e-scooter crash at Weir Park, Annandale, at 4pm on Saturday afternoon, December 21.

“An 18-year-old man suffered serious head injuries in the crash and was taken to Townsville Hospital,” the spokeswoman said.

“No other persons were injured or involved in the incident.”

It is understood that the teen had not been wearing a helmet when he crashed and hit his head on the concrete.

Police confirmed on Monday that the teen remained in a critical condition at Townsville University Hospital.

The Queensland Police Service have urged parents to take extra caution if gifting e-scooters this Christmas

“As of December 18, 2024, eight lives have been lost on Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, compared to two lives lost in 2023,” QPS said.

“The growing use of PMDs has caused community concern due to dangerous operation which can result in serious injuries and sometimes, tragically, death.

“Police are committed to enforcement and engagement activities to ensure the safe use of these devices, with more than 1,700 infringements issued to date this year for failing to wear a helmet whilst riding a PMD and over 183 infringements for speeding.”

QPS Road Policing Group Acting Inspector Gareth Bosley said e-scooters may seem like great gifts to put under the Christmas tree, but they came with significant risks, especially for younger and less experienced users.

QPS Road Policing Group Acting Inspector Gareth Bosley has warned of the safety risks created by e-scooters.

“It’s essential parents and carers consider the legalities of e-scooters, as these cannot be operated by a person under 16 years-of-age without adult supervision, while those under 12 years of age are not legally allowed to operate them at all,” Acting Inspector Bosley said.

“If you are gifting a PMD this Christmas, make sure the receiver understands the rules they have to adhere to, otherwise they’ll be seeing police this summer. Safety must always come first.”

Townsville Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Robert Nalder says its import to educate riders about e-scooter safety. Picture: Shae Beplate.

For those choosing to ride PMDs, police have stressed the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear, including helmets, riding responsibly and operating within the road rules, and being vigilant and cautious, particularly around roads and pedestrians.

QPS will continue to work with road safety partners to raise awareness, improve road safety, and advocate for behaviours that keep Queensland roads safe.

For more information, visit: streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/pmd/tools-tips.

Penalties for misuse of PMDs

• Speeding – up to $619

• No helmet – $154

• Using a phone – $1,161

• Double riding – $154

• Riding on a prohibited road – $185

Originally published as Queensland Police warns against gifting e-scooters as teen fights for life