Hundreds of riders have been fined since new rules for personal mobility devices including e-scooters came into effect late last year – laws which are also impacting two e-scooter trials in the city of Logan.
Transport minister Mark Bailey said preliminary data revealed 780 infringement notices had been issued between November 1 and December 31, 2022.
Those figures were statewide.
“Its critical people understand and follow these new rules to ensure they keep themselves, and those around them safe when riding these devices,” Mr Bailey said.
“E-scooters and other personal mobility devices are a convenient way to travel and are great for the environment and our tourism sector, but unfortunately, we continue to see some people do the wrong thing.
“Since the new rules began, almost 800 Queenslanders and tourists have been fined for offences including carrying passengers, speeding and failing to wear a helmet.
“While we want people to be able to use these devices, it’s important they’re safe for the riders and those they interact with.
“That’s why we introduced stricter rules from 1 November last year – to help keep the riders, and other path and road users around them, safe.
Mr Bailey said there would be more changes announced this year specifically on drink riding.
“Significant consultation with stakeholders from the PMD industry, health sector and all types of path and road users, disability advocates, local councils, RACQ and Police was conducted in developing these rules – the most comprehensive in Australia,” he said.
The key rules are:
- Speed limit:
- Lower speed limits of 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths, unless otherwise signed.
- 25km/h limit on all other infrastructure, including bike infrastructure and local streets.
- Know where you can ride – on footpaths, shared paths, bike paths and local 50km/h streets with no road markings and on-road bike lanes only where the speed limit is 50km/h or less.
- Always wear a helmet – fastened
- No doubling (passengers not allowed)
- No hand-held phone use while riding
- No riders under 12 years of age, and those aged 12-15 must be supervised.
- Don’t drink and ride
- General road rules apply – same as for bikes
- Use a warning bell on devices with handlebars
“A lot of work has gone into making sure these rules are best practice for the safety of both the rider and other path and road users around them.
“They aren’t rocket science. They’re not hard to follow. But they will make a big difference to everyone’s safety.
“Whether you own or hire an e-scooter, e-skateboard or other personal mobility device, I encourage you to jump on the Streetsmarts Qld website to check out the rules to ensure you and others around you stay safe, and to avoid potential fines.”
The most common fines were issued for:
- Not wearing a helmet ($143)
- Riding on prohibited roads ($173)
- Speeding (fines ranging from $143 to $575)
- Disobeying road rules including mobile phone use (up to $1078)
- Doubling (riding with a passenger) ($143)
Queensland Police Service (QPS) North Brisbane Highway Patrol Senior Constable Duncan Hill said the community response to PMD safety enforcement had been overwhelmingly positive.
“Most PMD riders are understanding and happy to oblige with the new rules for their own safety and that of the community, without the need for infringements.” Senior Constable Hill said.
“QPS will continue to be out across the state educating riders and taking enforcement action when necessary.”
