E-scooter crackdown could land Aussies $6k fine: What you need to know
A surge in e-scooters across Australia has many wondering what exactly is allowed.
Aussie e-scooter riders in Queensland could soon face huge fines under new proposed laws aimed at cracking down on those caught doing the wrong thing. A raft of new punishments are designed to ensure e-scooter riders have the “same responsibilities as all other drivers”.
Rules on the divisive mode of transport vary from state to state, adding to the confusion of what is actually allowed.
What you need to know
E-scooter riders and cyclists in Queensland will soon face fines of up to $6192 or 40 penalty points under new proposed laws aimed at combating dangerous riding.
The move is set to see punishments equal to other types of vehicle offences when the laws are introduced on Thursday.
Under the crackdown, offending riders will also be forced to face a magistrate who will decide the amount of the fine based on"severity", rather than being issued one on the spot.
Riders will also be made to stop if they're involved in an accident and exchange details.
🗣️ What they said
Queensland's Minister for Transport Mark Bailey: “E-scooters are a great way to get around, but their social licence depends on users doing the right thing. These new laws ensure e-scooter riders will need to play by the same rules as the rest of us and significant penalties will apply for those that ride irresponsibly.”
Swinburne University professor of future urban mobility, Hussein Dia: “These devices can bring big sustainability benefits to our cities if they are taken seriously. They will mean that we can replace many short-distance trips using polluting private vehicles with these environmentally friendly devices."
Queensland Health's Tanya Smyth: "Parents should be particularly vigilant about children using the devices, using appropriate protective gear, and using them under safe conditions."
❗ It’s hard to believe, but…
In NSW and South Australia, e-scooters are actually illegal on roads, footpaths and along suburban streets, with various fines and penalties in place— though, these laws aren't always enforced and e-scooters. Residents may however ride the devices on privately-owned properties.
They are legal in Queensland, the ACT and under certain conditions in Victoria, WA, the Northern Territory and Tasmania.
🤔 Why should I care?
Unless you fancy paying thousands of dollars in fines if you're caught riding an e-scooter in a place you shouldn't be, you'll want to make sure you're aware of the individual rules and regulations in your state. In Victoria for example, riders must be over 16 and only use the devices areas where the speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour or less.
Aussies are urged to check the individual laws in their jurisdiction before heading out for a ride, which can be found here: NSW, Victoria, WA, Queensland, ACT, South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania.
🗳 What do you think?
Read more about e-scooter use in Australia
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