Victoria Police have issued a stern warning to e-scooter riders that "the time for leniency is over" after a two-day crackdown in Melbourne's CBD and major transport hubs resulted in nearly 300 fines. The operation, conducted earlier this month, targeted riders breaking laws against riding without helmets, on footpaths, and ignoring traffic lights.
Of the almost 300 riders fined, 137 were penalized for failing to wear an approved helmet, and 73 for riding on a footpath, which police described as "extremely dangerous." Additionally, 12 riders were fined for disobeying traffic lights, three for carrying a passenger, and one rider is set to face court after refusing an oral fluid test.
Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir stated that while most e-scooter users are responsible, too many continue to disregard the rules. "The time for leniency is over," he said, noting that the rules under the government trial have been in effect long enough that there is no excuse for ignorance.
Acting Inspector Michael Tsaloumas highlighted the dangers of riding on footpaths, citing collisions that have caused serious injuries. He emphasized that riders must adhere to the rules, including wearing helmets and avoiding footpaths, or face significant penalties.
E-scooters have been permitted in public since 2021 in Ballarat and 2022 in Melbourne, with riders taking 8 million trips up to April 2024. The state government is due to introduce a permanent scheme from October. The Australian Medical Association has called for stricter rules after a study revealed 247 riders and nine pedestrians were treated for injuries from collisions in 2023.
