Western Australia's top police officer has thrown his support behind a mandatory registration scheme for electric scooters and bicycles, aiming to curb dangerous riding and improve accountability on public paths and roads.
Commissioner Advocates for Accountability
Police Commissioner Col Blanch has publicly endorsed the idea of compulsory registration for electric rideables, including e-scooters and e-bikes. His comments come amid growing concerns over rider behaviour, illegal modifications, and a spate of serious injuries linked to these popular devices.
Commissioner Blanch argued that registration would make riders more identifiable and therefore more responsible for their actions. "If they're registered, people might think twice about doing the wrong thing," he stated. This move is seen as a direct response to incidents where riders have fled the scene after collisions or were caught on camera riding recklessly.
The Push for Tighter Regulations
The call for registration is part of a broader push for stricter e-scooter laws in Western Australia. Currently, regulations govern where these devices can be ridden and their maximum power output, but enforcement remains a challenge. Commissioner Blanch highlighted the difficulty police face when an unregistered, often unidentifiable rider commits an offence and speeds away.
Key issues driving the proposed crackdown include:
- Riders illegally modifying e-scooters to exceed the 25km/h speed limit.
- Dangerous behaviour on footpaths and shared paths, endangering pedestrians.
- A significant number of hospital presentations due to e-scooter accidents.
- The lack of a formal mechanism to trace devices and hold riders accountable.
Recent data underscores the urgency. Royal Perth Hospital reported treating 159 patients for e-scooter related injuries in a recent 12-month period, with head injuries being common. This has intensified calls from medical professionals and safety advocates for better regulation.
Government Response and Future Steps
The WA state government has acknowledged the commissioner's stance. A spokesperson for Transport Minister David Michael confirmed that the government is actively considering the registration proposal as part of an ongoing review into the road safety framework for e-rideables.
"The state government is currently reviewing the laws and will consider the registration of e-scooters and other e-rideables as part of that process," the spokesperson said. This review is expected to examine all aspects of e-rideable use, from safety standards and speed limits to enforcement and registration logistics.
Commissioner Blanch's advocacy adds considerable weight to the debate. He emphasised that the goal is not to punish responsible riders but to target those who flout the rules and put others at risk. "It's about making sure that people who do the wrong thing are held accountable," he reiterated.
As cities like Perth continue to integrate micro-mobility into their transport networks, finding a balance between innovation, convenience, and public safety has become a critical task for policymakers. The outcome of the government's review will set a significant precedent for how Australia manages the rapid rise of electric rideables.
