Queensland’s hefty new electric scooter penalties have come into force today.
The State Government is cracking down on the popular method of transport following a rise in speeding and accidents.
The reforms include speed limit reductions, new fines and mandating warning bells, with riders warned they could be forced to fork out over $1,000 for some offences.
The speed limit has been reduced to 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths, while the 25km/h limit remains for all other bike paths and on roads.
As for the fines, riders busted using a mobile phone will be slugged $1,078, while speeding offences will range from $143 to $575.
Bells, helmets and lights are also compulsory.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey says the Government makes no apologies for cracking down on reckless e-scooter use.
“We want every person who uses our footpaths, bikeways and bike lanes to be safe from harm, and these reforms go a long way in tightening the Queensland road rules around this new technology,” Minister Bailey said.
“All these changes have been developed in close consultation with key stakeholders, including riders, rental and retail suppliers, police, RACQ, Bicycle Queensland, local councils and disability advocates,”
“E-scooters are here to stay and their riders have an equal responsibility to road safety as motorists, cyclist, truck drivers and motorcyclists”.
FULL LIST OF PENALTIES:
New e-scooter penalties come into effect from tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/vQlndp3RyD
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 31, 2022
