Queenslanders getting behind the handlebars of an e-scooter this holiday season should think twice. Police are doubling down on riders and say those breaking the rules will face harsh penalties.
A Christmas crackdown on Queensland roads. Police officers are targeting e-scooter riders breaking the road rules and putting lives at risk.
New laws introduced last month include:
The New Laws:
- 12kph speed limits on footpaths and shared paths, unless otherwise signed. The 25kph limit remains for all other bike paths and roads.
- Increasing fines of up to $1,078 for dangerous offences involving speed, illegal road use and holding a mobile phone while riding.
- Allowing personal mobility devices (PMD) to be ridden in bike lanes on roads with a speed limit of 50kph or less, and all on-road bike lanes that are physically separated.
- Mandating bells for personal mobility devices with handlebars, like e-scooters.
- Aligning personal mobility device riders with bike riders to ensure they are required to follow general road rules, such as stopping at red lights.
The fines:
- Up to $575 for speeding
- Up to $143 for not wearing a helmet
- Up to $1,078 for using a phone
- $143 for double riding
- $173 for riding on a prohibited roads
This comes as Queensland Health has said that 60% of all e-scooter accidents have been from people traveling too fast or being under the influence of alcohol. The Queensland government is also considering harsher penalties including random breath tests for scooter users.
