Brisbane e-scooter injuries prompt safety campaign

A high injury rate among Brisbane electric scooter riders sees a new safety campaign being rolled out across 40 of the city’s streets in April.

More than 120 people have been taken to hospital with e-scooter related injuries in the first two months since they were introduced to the city, the Queensland government says – about two injuries daily.

And nearly 300 people have been caught by police breaking e-scooter rules, mostly for riding without a helmet, transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey says in launching the safety campaign, reported to cost about A$40,000.

While he says it’s great to see a significant uptake of “rideables”, there have been a number of incidents resulting in trips hospitals or fines by police.

“E-scooters, e-skateboards and other rideables have become a popular way to get around the CBD. And why not, they’re eco-friendly, easy to use and they ease congestion,” Bailey says.

“And while we want people to be able to use rideables, it’s important they keep safe and stick to the law.”

Throughout April, posters feature on 40 central Brisbane streets reminding e-riders to wear helmets, stay on footpaths and not use bike lanes, main or CBD roads; and to give way to pedestrians.

“By rolling out the campaign on city streets, people will be reminded about the rules before they get around town,” Bailey says.

He reminds users that children under 12 are not allowed to ride and those under 16 must be supervised by an adult.

“Users must travel at a safe speed to ensure they can stop to avoid collisions,” he says.

“Doubling up on a device is also not permitted.

“If you are using a rideable incorrectly you could be fined A$130 and speeding on a rideable incurs a A$174 fine,” Bailey says.

“Please do not drink and ride because not only will you be fined, but you are also putting your safety and the safety of others at risk.”

Tenders for two companies to run electric scooters in Brisbane are being considered by the Brisbane City Council after it initially allowed Lime to introduce about 1000 electric scooters from November 2018.

Police also ran a blitz on e-scooters across Fortitude Valley and Brisbane City last week, issuing more than 65 traffic infringement notices.

New Zealand has also has a high rate of e-scooter injuries, with Radio New Zealand reporting 7500 claims relating to e-scooter and scooter injuries being received by the Accident Compensation Corporation in the five months to March, and nearly NZ$3 million being paid out.

Visit www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/personal-mobility-devices

for more information.