Electric Menace: Rogue E-Bike and E-Scooter Riders Slammed with Thousands of Fines as Death Toll Mounts
- More than 2,100 fines issued to reckless riders, with 100 illegal devices seized by Queensland Police Service
- 14 people killed in e-mobility accidents, sparking concerns over growing popularity of battery-powered devices
- Police Minister Dan Purdie vows to put community safety first, as parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety heats up
- Children under 12 banned from using devices, while 12-16 year olds require adult supervision – but many are flouting the rules
Queensland’s streets and footpaths have become a battleground in the war against rogue e-bike and e-scooter riders, with thousands of fines issued and dozens of devices seized in a crackdown on the electric menace.
At least 100 illegal devices have been taken off the streets, with riders copping more than 2,100 fines for a range of offences, including failing to wear a helmet, dangerous driving, and ignoring police orders to stop.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has sounded the alarm over the growing popularity of e-mobility devices, which have been linked to 14 deaths and a surge in serious injuries.
“As we see their popularity grow within the community, we’re seeing increased trauma, both in fatalities and also serious injuries, presenting to our hospitals,” Inspector Gareth Bosely warned on Sunday.
“Many of the devices being utilised are illegal and unlawful devices, high-powered devices capable of travelling similar speeds to a motorcycle being ridden on our roads and pathways, often without helmets.”
The QPS has vowed to continue the crackdown, with Police Minister Dan Purdie declaring: “Too many riders are deliberately ignoring the road rules, putting themselves and others at serious risk. We will continue to put community safety first to ensure Queensland’s roads and footpaths remain as safe as possible.”
But the problem is not just about reckless riders – many e-mobility devices are being modified to become high-powered electric motorcycles, which require licensing and registration. Children under 12 are banned from using the devices, while 12-16 year olds require direct adult supervision.
The parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety is expected to deliver its recommendations in March, but for now, the QPS is urging riders to obey the law and respect the safety of others.