E-scooter riders across Queensland are being put on notice, with hefty fines and new reforms coming into effect next month.
The reforms include speed limit reductions, new fines and mandating warning bells, which will apply to e-scooters, e-skateboards and other personal mobility devices.
As part of the first wave of the Palaszczuk Government’s e-scooter crackdown, riders could face fines of over $1,000 for dangerous offences.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey made no apologies for cracking down on reckless e-scooter use.
“The fact of the matter is that many people who use e-scooter are doing the right thing – they are an easy, convenient and environmentally friendly way to get around,” Mr Bailey says.
“From 1 November, these new rules will be in effect. We have flagged that these changes have been in the pipeline, so users have had plenty of notice,
“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.”
Riders busted using a mobile phone will be slugged $1,078, while speeding offences will range from $143 to $575.
Speed limits on footpaths and shared paths has also been reduced to 12km/h.
The 25km/h limit on all other infrastructure, including bike infrastructure and local streets, remains.
The reforms are also mandating bells, as well as helmets and lights.
“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,
“It’s important they’re safe for the riders and those they interact with on our footpaths and roads.”
FULL LIST OF PENALTIES:
- Exceed speed limit by:
1-13km/h = $143
14-20km/h = $215
20-30km/h = $359
>30km/h = $575 - Not wear a helmet = $143
- Doubling (two or more people) = $143
- Mobile phone use while riding = $1078
- Drink liquor while riding = $431
- Use on prohibited road = $172
