Police are cracking down on dangerous e-scooter use in Brisbane’s CBD, with a recent operation resulting in 50 people receiving tickets.
Brisbane City Sergeant Michelle Clarke said there were too many serious crashes in 2024 involving personal mobility devices (PMD) such as e-scooters and bikes in the inner city.
Sgt Clarke said Brisbane City Highway Patrol were conducting proactive patrols and enforcement activities, targeting helmets not being worn and speeding.
She said locations targeted during a January 14 operation included Goodwill Bridge, Kurilpa Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Kangaroo Point Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves, New Farm Riverwalk and the Bicentennial Bikeway.
“The operation resulted in 52 infringement notices being issued to 50 people, with many related to speeding and not wearing a helmet.”
Sgt Clarke said too often police responded to e-scooter crashes which resulted in serious injuries including concussions and deep lacerations.
She reminded PMD users to always wear a helmet, do not double (have two or more people use a device meant for one person), do not use your phone, stick to 12km/h on footpaths and 25km/h elsewhere unless otherwise signed and don’t drink and ride.
“It’s important to remember that these devices, particularly when travelling at speed, are not toys and can significantly harm pedestrians and riders.”
The penalties for misuse are:
- Speeding: Up to $645.
- No helmet: $161.
- Using a phone: $1209.
- Double riding: $161.
- Riding on a prohibited road: $193
