'Absolute stupidity': Shocking e-scooter act on busy Perth road
Alarming video shows what appears to be two selfie-taking teenagers riding one e-scooter down a busy Perth road.
The youths, who are seen wearing shorts and T-shirts without helmets or safety gear, speed along South Street in Hilton, which has a limit of 60km/h.
Video shared online shows the pair travelling roughly two kilometres westbound on the busy road, moving between lanes.
One of the males on the scooter raises his arm at one point appearing to take a selfie. After passing Australia Post, they exit onto the pavement as traffic builds at a red light.
"F****** morons," a male says in the video captured from a car travelling behind the scooter.
The video prompted an angry response online, with one user branding their actions "absolute stupidity".
E-scooters are allowed to be ridden on roads in Western Australia however they must be on local streets and must not exceed 25km/h.
Yahoo News Australia has contacted Western Australia Police regarding the video.
E-scooter usage continues to rise in Australia
WA tightened its e-scooter regulations last year before Christmas anticipating a spike in new vehicles.
Those caught using their phone while riding can face a fine of $1000.
“We’ll expect people to obey the law and be sensible in the same way as we regulate and manage bike riders," Police Minister Paul Papalia said at the time.
It comes as the use of e-scooters rockets across Australia, with police repeatedly reminding owners of the strict laws surrounding their use.
Just one month ago, a 46-year-old father riding an e-scooter died in Perth when he collided with a cyclist. And a 13-year-old in Perth died from an accident in February.
A spike in injuries has accompanied their increased popularity, with police concerned breaches such as jumping red lights, drink-riding and failing to wear a helmet are only exasperating their dangers.
"This new technology presents risks, with the safety of e-scooter riders and other users of the transport network interacting with e-scooters being a key concern," Vic Roads said announcing an e-scooter trial last year.
All states bar NSW allow some form of public use, whether it be through shared e-scooter trials or privately owned scooters.
There are strict speed limits for footpath usage with the ACT, Tasmania, South Australia and Northern Territory the most lenient with a maximum speed of 15km/h.
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