Tragedy Strikes on Christmas Eve: Young Man Dies in Horror E-Scooter Crash on Geraldton Highway
- A 37-year-old man’s life is cut short in an e-scooter accident on a Geraldton footpath, leaving a community in shock
- The man, who was riding a rental e-scooter, lost control and fell at 12:10am, dying at the scene
- Police are urging witnesses to come forward as they investigate the tragic incident, which has sparked calls for tighter regulations on e-scooters
A senseless tragedy has struck on Christmas Eve, claiming the life of a young man who died in a horrific e-scooter accident in Geraldton. The 37-year-old man was riding a rental e-scooter on a footpath beside Brand Highway when he lost control and fell, succumbing to his injuries at the scene.
The incident occurred at 12:10am, and police are still trying to piece together what led to the fatal crash. They are appealing to anyone who witnessed the man riding the e-scooter before the incident or has any dash-cam, CCTV, or mobile phone footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune described the accident as a “terrible tragedy” and said it was a devastating blow to the community, especially during the festive season. “Our thoughts are with all those who are related or connected to this man,” he said, offering his condolences.
The mayor expressed concerns about the rapid growth of e-scooters in Geraldton, citing their speed and potential danger. He expects new regulations to be introduced following a state government inquiry, which made 33 recommendations to improve the safety of e-scooters for riders and pedestrians.
In a stark warning, Cr Clune said, “Some of the e-rideables are extremely fast and actually quite dangerous.” The City of Greater Geraldton had previously decided not to suspend hireable e-scooters, despite a fatal collision involving a pedestrian and an e-scooter in Perth earlier this year.
In a bid to prevent similar tragedies, children under the age of 16 will be banned from using and storing e-rideables at all WA public schools from term one next year, following a parliamentary inquiry into WA’s e-scooter and e-bike rules.