E-scooter riders will face fines of more than $6000 under harsh new rules proposed by the Queensland government, only days after a man died in a horror crash.
The proposed new laws, to be introduced in parliament by Transport Minister Mark Bailey on Thursday, will reportedly bring penalties for riders in-line with other road users.
While riders are already required to ride “with care” on the state’s roads, the new rules would extended to “road-related areas”, including footpaths and bike paths.
E-scooter riders found driving recklessly on footpaths could cop fines of as much as $6200, with anyone failing to stop and give details after a crash also facing up to $3100.
The Brisbane Times reports Mr Bailey said while e-scooters were a great way to get around, including in busy metropolitan Brisbane, the “social licence” depends on users doing the right thing.
“(The rules) include an obligation to ride with care around other path users, and consistent post-crash responsibilities,” he said in a statement.
“These new laws ensure e-scooter riders will need to play by the same rules as the rest of us, and significant penalties will apply for those who ride irresponsibly.”
The proposed changes are part of the state government’s years-long Personal Mobility Device Safety Action Plan, which has already resulted in bolstered penalties.
The new rules will also extend to bike riders, and comes after a number of high-profile crashes.
On Wednesday, a man riding his e-scooter was killed after he was struck by a Holden Commodore in Toowoomba.
No charges have been laid.
In June, a man died after clipping a gutter and falling from an e-scooter he was riding in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane.
Personal e-scooters remain illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas, such as footpaths, shared paths, and bicycle lanes, with shared scooter schemes in some areas.
Both states also require riders to adhere to rules similar to road users, including a negative blood alcohol reading and to not use their mobile phone while riding.