“They have been incredibly popular and have been taken up at nearly double the national rate we are using them here than in other states,” Mr Bailey said.
E-scooters will now legally be allowed on purpose-built, separated bikeways and bike lanes, however they have been regularly using them for two years.
There have been more than 6.5 million e-scooter trips since they were introduced in 2018.Credit:QUT
In 12 months they are likely to use bike lanes on streets in the future, but an education program is being created first, before changes to Queensland Transport regulations can go to State Parliament.
The series of changes come after a series of workshops were held late in 2021 after a series of accidents and concerns were expressed by disability advocates.
Queensland Disabilities Network advocate Elisha Matthews said improving access for e-scooters was something she supported, but they should make life harder for people with disabilities.
“Sometimes I am just completely blocked,” the wheelchair access advocate said.
Queensland Disabilities Network advocate Elisha Matthews welcomes controls over e-scooter parking and speeding.Credit:Tony Moore
“I usually have to find another way around, and it can be a very long journey.
“I’m late for a lot of appointments.”
The immediate steps are reducing the speed on footpaths to 12km/h and a safety focus on wearing helmets, how to overtake pedestrians and where to park e-scooters safely.
“We are seeing far too many injuries in e-scooter users that are the result of speeding and many pedestrians feeling unsafe on footpaths,” Mr Bailey said.
“Our footpaths are there for everyone so e-scooter riders will need to slow down on footpaths to 12 km/h in future.”
The future steps will give police wider powers to fine e-scooter riders who speed, or ride drunk or when they influenced by drugs, similar to offences for car drivers.
Police Minister Mark Ryan welcomed the crackdown on rogue e-scooters.
“We know many people do the right thing and our officers do a great job at policing dangerous behaviour already,” Mr Ryan said.
“But with new rules and regulations we will be better equipped to keep the public safe.”
More information on the e-scooter safety reforms are available here.
E-Scooter safety crackdown February 2022
What will come into force:
- Slash footpath speed limits in half to 12km/h.
- Develop a safety campaign about road rules, parking and their responsibilities.
- Issue a new e-scooter users guide when they are bought privately.
- Make bells compulsory.
- Establish an e-scooter parking working group.
- Set rules for e-scooter parking to keep footpaths clear for pedestrians and people with disabilities
- Allowing e-scooters on purpose-built separated bikeways.
- Examine e-scooter use on shared bikeways and bike lanes on roads.
- Road rule amendments.
- Introduce e-scooter drink- and drug-driving penalties through State Parliament.
E-scooters slowed on footpaths as reforms begin e-speedster crackdown
Source: Philippines Alive
