A new safety campaign warning against the dangers of riding e-scooters has launched in Victoria.
The campaign – which runs across a variety of multimedia platforms – follows the introduction of tough new laws targeting irresponsible behaviour, including increased fines for riding an e-scooter without a helmet, riding on a footpath, and carrying a passenger.
Riders caught under the influence of drugs or alcohol are subject to the same penalties as motorists and risk losing their driver’s licence.
Other penalties include:
- passenger not wearing a helmet: $642
- riding while using a mobile phone: $577
- disobeying traffic lights: $481-plus
- riding a non-compliant e-scooter: $962.
As well, riders must be:
- at least 16 years old
- not traveling at more than 20 km/h
- only riding on roads with a maximum speed limit of up to 60 km/h or less.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams helped kick-start the safety awareness campaign last week. “E-scooters are an increasingly popular way for Victorians to get around, and our new laws are helping to create a safer environment for riders and pedestrians,” she said. “Riders can help keep themselves and others safe by doing the right thing and this new campaign will be a wake-up call for those who think they are harmless and fun toys.”
Central to the campaign is a series of videos demonstrating some of the serious accidents that can occur when e-scooters are ridden recklessly.
Williams was joined at the campaign’s launch by Transport Accident Commission CEO Tracey Slatter. Expressing concern that research shows that many Victorians see e-scooters as playthings and are unaware of the laws and penalties, Slatter said: “This campaign aims to tackle both these issues.”
In 2021, more than 400 people were admitted to hospital and at least two people were killed in e-scooter-related incidents in Victoria.
The most common injuries are head wounds and injuries to the upper limbs. Abrasions are the most common type of injury, followed by fractures. The biggest risk factors are intoxication, speed, and not wearing a helmet.
Men are more likely to be involved in accidents, making up 62% of cases. The average age of patients is 27.
“We are asking all Victorians to do the right thing every time they ride an e-scooter,” said Slatter. “Wear a helmet, don’t carry a passenger, stay off the footpath and don’t ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
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