Tougher penalties for reckless e-scooter riders in Queensland

Riders of e-scooters in Queensland face fines of up to $1078 for a range of offences from today, in a bid to halt reckless riding and injuries.

The tougher penalties have been introduced to bring state legislation for e-scooters, or personal mobility devices (PMD), in line with cycling laws.

Under the new tiered fine system, riders caught speeding face tickets ranging from $143 to $575.

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For drinking alcohol while riding, the fine has been hiked to $431, while riders nabbed using a mobile phone while riding an e-scooter will face a hefty $1078 penalty.

There are also new speed limit rules for e-scooters in Queensland.

Riders are now limited to 12km/h along footpaths and 25km/h on bike paths and roads.

The new rules have been prompted by a wave of serious injuries to e-scooter riders and pedestrians across Queensland.

But the emerging mode of transport is also worrying road safety campaigners in other states and territories.

Here is a breakdown of the rules for e-scooter riding across Australia:

New South Wales

Under current state law, powered scooters and skateboards cannot be registered as a motor vehicle.

Since July 2022, the NSW Government has been holding a trial for e-scooter riders.

"You can only use shared e-scooters hired through an approved e-scooter provider on NSW roads or related areas, such as shared paths, in trial areas," Transport for NSW says on its website.

"Privately owned e-scooters are not allowed on NSW roads or related areas (including in trial areas)."

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Victoria

You cannot ride private e-scooters on public roads and footpaths in Victoria.

But you can ride commercial e-scooters in certain areas.

People riding commercial hire e-scooters must not use footpaths and only ride on bicycle lanes, bicycle paths, shared paths, and roads with a speed limit less than 50km/h.

A year-long commercial trial of e-scooters being provided on Melbourne streets for the public's use began on February 1.

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South Australia

E-scooters cannot be used on roads or areas such as footpaths, bike/pedestrian tracks, or vehicle parking areas.

Under current laws, the devices do not meet the standards for vehicle registration.

But an e-scooter trial is being held across four sites in Adelaide.

The only e-scooters allowed to be used in the trial areas are those operating subject to a business permit issued by local council.

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Western Australia

In late 2021 the state updated its e-scooter regulations.

They are permitted on footpaths and shared paths, so long as the rider keeps left and gives way to pedestrians.

Riders cannot ride on roads with a speed limit exceeding 50km/h and on roads with a dividing line or median strip. They are also banned from one-way roads.

Tasmania

Anyone aged 16 years or older can ride an approved e-scooter, if they are wearing a helmet and following all road rules, including speed limits.

But police have warned people e-scooters must meet state regulations, or riders will be fined.

In Tasmania, a PMD must have at least one wheel, be less than 125cm long, 70cm wide and 135cm high, weigh under 45kg, be not capable of travelling faster than 25km/h and be designed for one person.

Australian Capital Territory

It is legal to use e-scooters on shared paths and footpaths, but riders must give way to pedestrians.

They are not permitted on roads or on-road bicycle lanes, except on residential streets where there is no footpath.

Among the regulations, e-scooter riders cannot be under the influence of alcohol or a drug or use a mobile phone.

The speed limit on a shared footpath or cycle path is 25km/h, 15km/h for footpaths and 10km/h when at a crossing.

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