Western Australia's police force has taken a hard line against the illegal and dangerous use of electric rideable devices by children, charging a significant number of young riders in a targeted metropolitan operation.
Operation Moorhead: A Targeted Blitz on E-Rideables
Over a concentrated two-day period, WA Police deployed officers from the Traffic Enforcement Group and local districts for Operation Moorhead. The crackdown focused on the unlawful operation of electric scooters, electric bikes, and other motorised personal transport devices in the Perth metropolitan area.
The results were stark and, according to authorities, deeply concerning. Police issued a total of 46 charges, with the most alarming statistic being that 17 of those charges were levelled against children. The offences were not minor infractions; they included serious traffic violations such as reckless driving, driving without a licence, and driving an unlicensed vehicle.
'Totally Unacceptable' Behaviour and Serious Risks
Superintendent Anthony Prior, acting commander of the State Traffic Office, did not mince words when describing the behaviour uncovered during the operation. He labelled it as 'totally unacceptable' and expressed grave concerns for the safety of both the young riders and the general public.
'The behaviour we have seen over the two-day operation is totally unacceptable and places not only the riders at risk of serious injury but also other road users,' Superintendent Prior stated. He emphasised that these devices are powerful machines, not toys, and their illegal use on roads poses a significant danger.
The operation highlighted a critical knowledge gap. Many riders, and particularly parents, are unaware of the laws governing these popular devices. In Western Australia, most e-scooters and similar electric rideables are only legally permitted on private property. Their use on public roads, footpaths, and shared paths is generally prohibited unless specifically authorised under local government laws or trials.
Consequences and a Clear Warning to Parents
The consequences for these offences are real and substantial. Individuals caught can face fines, and more importantly, they risk gaining a traffic infringement history. For young people, this could have long-term implications, including affecting their ability to obtain a driver's licence in the future.
Police have issued a direct warning to parents and guardians. Superintendent Prior urged them to take responsibility: 'Parents and guardians must be aware of where their children are and what they are doing.' The message is clear: allowing a child to illegally operate a powerful e-scooter on public roads is not only dangerous but could also lead to legal penalties for the young rider.
The crackdown serves as a major reminder of the current regulatory landscape in WA. While other states have begun integrating e-scooters into their transport frameworks through regulated trials, Western Australia maintains stricter controls. Operation Moorhead signals that police are actively enforcing these rules and will not tolerate the dangerous misuse of e-rideables, especially by underage riders.
Authorities are encouraging anyone unsure about the rules to check the official WA Government website for the most current information on where electric rideable devices can and cannot be used legally.
