E-scooter riders have been held to account, with police issuing almost 300 infringements to those caught flouting the rules during recent blitzes across Melbourne.
The effort saw State Highway Patrol officers and Transit Safety Division police team up to conduct proactive patrols in the CBD and stop e-scooter riders putting others at risk. In just one day last week, State Highway Patrol officers handed out 131 fines for reckless e-scooter behaviour.
Transit Safety Division police were left shaking their heads a few days earlier when they converged in and around the city's transport hubs and issued 152 fines in just a matter of hours.
A majority of the infringements issued were for e-scooter riders failing to wear an approved bicycle helmet - which carries a penalty of $240.
Many e-scooter riders were also caught using the footpath to get around, which is extremely dangerous and prohibited carrying a penalty of $192.
Under the Department of Transport and Planning's e-scooter trial currently in effect in Victoria, e-scooters can only be ridden on shared paths and roads that have a speed limit up to 60km/h.
There were also infringements issued to e-scooter riders for failing to obey a red traffic light, carrying more than one person, and using an unregistered vehicle.
E-scooters capable of exceeding 25km/h are classified as unregistered motor vehicles and cannot be ridden anywhere other than private property in Victoria.
The penalty for an unregistered motor vehicle is $962.
One e-scooter ride also refused a preliminary oral fluid test and will be charged and summoned to court.
E-scooter riders who exceed 0.05 blood alcohol level or are caught riding under the influence of drugs are liable for the same drink and drug driving penalties as all other motorists.
The infringements issued during Operation Wolfe (22 May) and Operation Chariot (17 May) include:
• 137 failing to wear approved bicycle helmet (e-scooter)
• 73 riding e-scooter on footpath
• 29 failing to wear approved bicycle helmet (bicycle/e-bike)
• 12 failing to obey red traffic light (e-scooter)
• 5 unregistered vehicles
• 3 carrying another person on an e-scooter
• 1 refusing preliminary oral fluid test (e-scooter)
• 23 other non e-scooter/bicycle offences
Police are urging all riders to ensure they understand and comply with the e-scooter trial rules, including not riding on the footpath, always wearing a helmet, not using a mobile phone while riding, only one person riding on the e-scooter, only riding if you are over 16 years old, and not exceeding the maximum speed limit of 20km/h.
Operations targeting e-scooter non-compliance will continue to be a focus for police over the coming months in an effort to improve safety for all road users.
For more information on the e-scooter rules, visit the E-scooter page on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir:
"We know many Victorians are concerned about e-scooters and the risks they pose, particularly around our CBD and built-up areas, which is why we're prioritising e-scooter enforcement over the coming months.
"While the majority of people do use e-scooters responsibly, unfortunately we're seeing too many riders continue to disregard the rules when it comes to e-scooters.
"The time for leniency is over - the e-scooter rules under the government trial have been in effect for some time now, so there is no excuse for not knowing what you can and can't do on an e-scooter.
Quotes attributable to Transit Safety Division Acting Inspector, Michael Tsaloumas:
"We know e-scooters are a convenient transport option to get around - but they need to be used responsibly, for the safety of all road users.
"We're seeing far too many riders involved in collisions with pedestrians on footpaths and around transport hubs, with some resulting in significant injuries.
"Riders must adhere to the rules, including not riding on the footpath and wearing a helmet at all times - those who don't will be held to account and face significant penalties."
