Speeding along main roads, doubling your mate or your child, using your mobile while riding and not wearing a helmet are all offences for e-scooter and e-skateboard users under rules brought in to improve safety of riders, drivers and pedestrians.
Harsher penalties and new offences have been introduced in response to concerns raised by residents and advocacy from MPs including Noosa’s Sandy Bolton.
Earlier this year Noosaville resident Scott Thorson wrote to us after his wife was knocked to the ground by a youngster on an electric scooter racing past on an e-scooter on a Noosa Junction footpath. She suffered a scraped elbow and the rider just kept going.
In a bid to improve safety and compliance Highway Patrol Sunshine Coast have twice led police campaigns called Operation Doodlebug to educate riders on these personal mobility devices.
“Personal mobility devices (PMDs), including e-scooters, can be a fun, sustainable and a low-cost transport option for getting around the Sunshine Coast, however, there are laws riders must follow,” a Queensland Police Service spokesperson said.
“Designed for single person use only, an e-scooter is not permitted to travel faster than 25km/h, with the maximum allowable speed for riders on a shared path or footpath being 12km/h. Riders can suffer serious injuries if they fall off, with excessive speed a common factor in many PMD incidents.
“Riders must also be aware that PMDs can only be used on paths and roads where the speed limit is 50km/h or less and are not permitted to travel on a main road or highway.
“Other safety measures include a person riding an e-scooter having to wear a helmet at all times, not drinking and riding and not using a mobile phone while in motion.
“Riders who fail to abide by these rules could face fines, including a fine of up to $1161 for using a mobile phone.”
Rules for e-scooters, e-skateboards and segways
Age limits and Doubling:
Children 11 years or under must not ride e-scooters, e-skateboards, or similar devices. 12-15-year-olds can only ride them with adult supervision.
16-year-olds and over are allowed to ride these devices but it is against the law to carry a passenger, no matter how big or small. These devices have been designed for one person at a time and fines apply for doubling.
Where you can ride then:
Paths – footpaths, shared paths, separated paths and bike paths – max 12km/hr
Local streets (speed limit of 50km/h or less, no dividing centre line) – max 25km/hr
On-road bike lanes (where the road speed limit is 50km/h or less, or where the lane is physically separated from the road).
Police can issue on the spot fines of more than $500 for anyone speeding on e-scooters, e-skateboards, and similar devices. Stay within the limit for everyone’s safety.
Mobile phone use:
It’s illegal to use handheld mobile phone whilst riding. Mounting a phone on the handlebar is ok only if not distracted.
Safety gear:
You must wear a helmet with the straps fastened when riding an e-scooter, e-skateboard, or similar devices. This can be an approved bicycle helmet or a motorcycle helmet.
All rideable devices must have lights and reflectors to use at night or in hazardous conditions and be fitted with effective brakes.
If your device has handlebars like an e-scooter, it must be fitted with a warning device like a bell.
For more information visit streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/pmd/get-the-facts
