Woman called out for 'dangerous' act with child: 'DO NOT do this'
The woman was filmed riding illegally with a child on her e-scooter prompting others to warn of the danger involved.
A Hobart woman has copped criticism for what was described as "dangerous and illegal behaviour" after one councillor decided to film the act and share it online.
City of Hobart Councillor Louise Elliott filmed the woman illegally riding with a child on an e-scooter, slowly crossing the intersection of Liverpool and Barrack Street, and she urged others to “not do this”.
"I'm all for individual choice and responsibility but this is not cool," she said on Facebook. "I watched them get on (I was too far away to say anything) and looked like they'd definitely done this before."
"[E-scooters are ]heavy and hard to manoeuvre and it was slippery as.... I just don't want to see kids hurt or killed, or the mum to cop a big fine."
What are the fines in question?
Personal mobility devices (PMD) which include e-scooters and e-skateboards are heavily regulated nation-wide, and Australians can cop hefty fines for breaking the rules. In the video, there are potentially two rules being broken in Tasmania:
PMD user failing to wear securely fitted and fastened approved bicycle helmet — $135.75
PMD user carrying another person or animal — $135.75
Where riders of PMD are under 16 years, a $90.50 fine may apply.
'Three strikes policy'
Hire-and-ride e-scooters from Beam Mobility and Neuron Mobility are licensed in the City of Hobart, and come with additional policies.
"Our 3 Strikes Policy is designed to enforce safe and responsible riding," Beam said on their website. "In the first instance we tackle rule breaking with warnings and educational messages. However, continued non-compliance results in suspensions and eventually a permanent ban."
However there are also "serious offences" that result in immediate bans, such as riding against the flow of traffic, riding in the middle of the road, under the influence and the destruction of private and public property.
In Tasmania, PMDs may be used at a maximum speed of 25km/h on most footpaths, shared paths, bike lanes, and roads with a speed limit under 50km/h. They also must not go over 15km/h on footpaths.
Locals divided by Hobart councillor's video
Although the behaviour observed by the woman is illegal, not everyone was on board with Ms Elliott sharing the video online.
"Oh, come on, please don’t turn into a proponent of a “nanny state.” Shame on you," one person commented on Facebook.
"I think the mum is capable of making the safety call and it’s not good to shame her and her child on social media," another said.
However others thought the use of the e-scooter was "appalling" and that the behaviour should be called out. "I can see [a] disaster happening soon," one remarked.
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