A spike in deaths in Queensland related to the use of e-scooters has prompted a warning from police.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is specifically urging parents to take extra care if gifting e-scooters this Christmas.
QPS Road Policing Group Acting Inspector Gareth Bosley said the number of lives lost involving e-scooters had more than doubled in the last year.
Acting Inspector Bosley said eight lives had been lost on Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, up to December 18 this year, compared to two lives lost in 2023.
He said the growing use of PMDs had caused community concern due to dangerous operation which could result in serious injuries and death.
“Police are committed to enforcement and engagement activities to ensure the safe use of these devices, with more than 1700 infringements issued to date this year for failing to wear a helmet whilst riding a PMD and over 183 infringements for speeding.”
Acting Inspector Bosley said police were noticing the increase of devastating incidents involving PMDs.
“E-scooters may seem like a great gift to put under the Christmas tree, but they come with significant risks, especially for younger and less experienced users,” he said.
“It’s essential parents and carers consider the legalities of e-scooters, as these cannot be operated by a person under 16 years-of-age without adult supervision, while those under 12 years of age are not legally allowed to operate them at all.”
Acting Inspector Bosley said it was important that those who rode PMDs wore appropriate safety gear, including helmets; rode responsibly and within the road rules; and were vigilant and cautious, particularly around roads and pedestrians.
He said this summer, the penalties for misuse were:
- Speeding: Up to $619.
- No helmet: $154.
- Using a phone: $1161.
- Double riding: $154.
- Riding on a prohibited road: $185
