Sunshine Coast police have joined with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Sunshine Coast Health Trauma Service, Coolum State High School and other community groups to educate and encourage safer use of e-scooters and e-bikes.
With the community's concern growing over dangerous operation of Personal Mobility Devices (PMD), like e-scooters and e-bikes, local police are taking action through both enforcement and education initiatives, including engaging with local schools and organising two upcoming community safety days in Coolum and Noosa.
This year, until August 31, police have issued more than 3,730 infringements relating to PMDs, with the number one reason for a ticket being failure to wear a helmet.
Sunshine Coast District Officer Acting Superintendent Chris Toohey said local police are taking this very seriously.
"We've seen too many instances of children and adults riding e-scooters and e-bikes illegally and dangerously, which can lead to crashes and serious injury," A/Superintendent Toohey said.
"The community concern for these PMD riders, and the other road users and pedestrians, is growing and we're taking action. This is about safety and saving lives.
"While we're taking enforcement action, like using drone technology to target offenders on PMDs, we're also heavily focusing on education - joining with other departments, community groups, local businesses and schools to encourage safer user of e-scooters and e-bikes.
"Police will continue to enforce the law, however we are only one aspect of the response.
"We're calling on parents to stand with us in educating their children about the rules and regulations of riding e-scooters and e-bikes, and how to keep yourself and the wider community safe."
Department of Transport and Main Roads General Manager Land Transport Safety and Regulation, Joanna Robinson, said most e-scooter and e-bike crashes are single vehicle crashes, that involve the rider not following the rules.
"These devices can be a safe and convenient way to travel, but we really need riders, of all ages, to be riding them in a safe way that complies with the rules," Ms Robinson said.
"For e-scooters, riders must be at least 16 years, or 12 under adult supervision, must not carry passengers, and mustn't travel over 12km/h on footpaths and 25km/h elsewhere, such as bike paths.
"For e-bikes, they must be predominately pedal powered.
"This should go without saying – please wear a helmet and buckle it up, and do not drink and ride. Riders ignoring these rules are risking more than just a fine - it could cost them their lives.
"Heading into the festive season - we particularly want to remind parents, that e-scooters and e-bikes are not toys, and if they are giving these devices as presents, to ensure the device is legal and that children know the rules and follow them."
Medical Director Trauma Service and Emergency Specialist Dr Andrew Hobbins King said the Sunshine Coast Health Service is seeing the real impacts.
"At the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Emergency Department we are seeing on average 1 paediatric e-scooter related injury every three days, with many resulting in life threatening or potentially life-threatening injuries," Dr Hobbins King said.
"These injures are predominantly occurring in teenagers aged 14-15 and are resulting in life changing injuries including significant brain injuries, facial trauma, and limb fractures.
"Many of these injuries are the result of risk-taking behaviours, including riding at excessive speeds, doubling and not wearing helmets.
"We encourage all riders to follow the rules for personal mobility devices and ask parents to encourage their children to ride safely and always with a helmet."
Coolum State High School Executive Principal Troy Ascott said the safety and wellbeing of their students and families remain their top priority.
"We believe that it is essential to equip our community with the knowledge they need to navigate their surroundings safely," Mr Ascott said.
"Partnering with local emergency and community services for the Coolum community safety day is a fantastic way to provide valuable information, resources, and support, while also strengthening our relationship with the community."
The Sunshine Coast community is encouraged to attend one of two e-scooter and e-bike safety days in Coolum and Noosa to learn more about the rules and regulations of riding an e-scooter or e-bike and to hear advice on how to keep your children and the community safe.
In addition to free practical training and demonstration sessions, there will also be presentations from a range of experts including the Queensland Police Service, Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Health Trauma Service and Queensland Fire and Rescue.
Event details below.
Coolum event
When: 10am - 2pm, Saturday November 30 (presentations at 10.30am, 12pm and 1.30pm)
Where: Coolum State High School, Havana Road East, Coolum Beach
Register to attend via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coolum-e-scooter-and-e-bike-safety-day-tickets-1077069316319?aff=oddtdtcreator
Noosa event
When: 10am - 2pm, Saturday December 7 (presentations at 10.30am, 12pm and 1.30pm)
Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran College, Eumundi Road, Noosaville
Register to attend via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/noosa-e-scooter-and-e-bike-safety-day-tickets-1077065896089?aff=oddtdtcreator
