The Queensland Government has launched a new safety campaign ahead of Christmas to warn Queenslanders about the dangers around purchasing and using e-scooters and e-bikes.
Advertisements will roll out across Spotify, social media, and bus shelters through Christmas, to drive home the message that e-mobility devices can be deadly, when ridden illegally or incorrectly.
It follows concerns about the soaring number of young Queenslanders riding illegal e- motorbikes in public streets and roads across the state, particularly in South East Queensland.
The campaign, called Know Your eRules, is being led by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and aims to educate Queenslanders, particularly parents, about what constitutes legal and illegal devices for use on public roads and paths.
While e-devices can be a fun and convenient way to get around, they are not toys and come with significant responsibilities and risks.
In the past three years, there have been 18 e-scooter fatalities and several e-bike related deaths in Queensland.
Department of Transport and Main Roads General Manager, Land Transport, Safety and Regulation, Joanna Robinson said all Queenslanders, in particular parents, must make safety a priority when thinking about purchasing an e-scooter or e-bike.
“These devices can be deadly if misused or ridden outside the legal age and safety requirements, with visits to hospital emergency departments due to e-scooter and e- bike incidents increasing at an alarming rate,” Ms Robinson said.
“Penalties and fines will be issued to those who break the law, including parents who allow their children to ride illegal devices.
“We’re really encouraging parents to visit the Government’s StreetSmarts website to learn about safe and legal devices, and to make sure their children understand the rules.
“We want everyone to stay safe this Christmas. Please don’t buy illegal e-motorbikes for use on our roads. Using these devices in public is against the law, and you could risk a fine, or worse the loss of a loved one.
“Remember if you are riding an e-bike or e-scooter, always wear a helmet, stick to speed limits, avoid busy roads, leave your phone alone, and don’t drink and ride.”
Queensland Police Service Road Policing Group Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said e-scooters and e-bikes might look like the perfect Christmas surprise, but they come with responsibilities.
“Buying a personal mobility device doesn’t give your child free rein to ride it whenever or however they want – it means you, as the parent or carer, need to know the rules and supervise them appropriately,” Chief Superintendent Wheeler said.
“Supervision isn’t optional, it’s part of keeping them safe. If a young rider breaks the rules, it will not only result in enforcement action by police, but it is dangerous to themselves and other road and pathway users.”
For more information on the rules for e-scooters and e-bikes, parents can visit the StreetSmarts website
E-scooter:
• To ride a personal mobility device, you must be at least 16 years old to ride unsupervised. Children aged 12 to 15 can ride, but only under adult supervision. This means an adult must be riding or walking nearby.
• Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to ride personal mobility devices under any circumstances – even with a parent.
• Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time. Doubling up, even with a parent, is strictly prohibited.
• Helmets are mandatory for all riders.
E-bike:
• Devices with a motor output exceeding 250 watts or capable of speeds over 25km/h are illegal, even if they can be ‘locked’ to lower power levels.
• Pedal power remains the safest primary source of power for mobility devices.
• Speed limits must be adhered to, and riders must not use mobile phones while operating these devices.
• Any speed increases should come from human power, not the motor.
• Helmets are mandatory for all riders.
When considering gifting an e-scooter or e-bike this Christmas, do your research:
• Ensure the device is legal.
• Make sure the rider understands the rules.
• Include a helmet with your gift.
