The Victorian government has introduced its permanent rules for e-scooter across the state as its two-year trial winds up.
Responding to widespread public complaints of lawless behaviour, and unwelcome queues of riders at hospital emergency departments, tough penalties have been introduced for a range of common rule breaches.
Fines for riding without a helmet have increased to $395, riding on a footpath to $296 and carrying a passenger to $247.
E-scooter passengers will also face a new fine of at least $247, which increases to $642 if they are also not wearing a helmet.
E-scooter riders caught drink or drug riding will be subject to the same rules as motorists and driver licences will be automatically suspended and an interlock device will be fitted to their vehicle for at least six months.
Bike riders will no longer be able to consider themselves hard done by when caught for infringements.
The main road rules will remain unchanged, e-scooter riders must:
• be at least 16 years old
• not travel at more than 20km/h and
• only ride on roads with a maximum speed limit of up to 60km/h or less.
Authorities will work with councils and e-scooter hire operators to introduce additional safeguards for shared e-scooter schemes, including footpath detection and other technology to improve safety for riders and pedestrians.
Next year new laws will set minimum standards for share-hire e-scooter companies, which will need to prequalify to operate in Victoria, and requirements will include installing new safety technology on e-scooters.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams announced a new advertising campaign in partnership with TAC to promote safe riding and reinforce the tough new penalties.
“We know there have been safety concerns, and that’s why we’re introducing some of the toughest new laws in the country, alongside a new education campaign to make them safer,” Minister Williams said.
The government says it will continue to monitor and assess the use of e-scooters and amend regulations further if needed.
To learn more about the e-scooter rules, visit transport.vic.gov.au/Road-rules-and-safety/E-scooter-road-rules
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