“Police will focus on educating riders on the rules for privately-owned e-scooters, as well as the trial e-scooters currently being operated under the Department of Transport’s e-scooter trial, with fines to be issued for non-compliance,” said Vic Police.
Victorian Police will be ramping up its enforcement of E-scooters over the coming months with increased usage expected for summer.
Authorities say their focus will be on educating E-scooter users, especially ones who own one.
It’s also expected that Lime and Neuron will jump onboard with educating efforts by putting more workers out on the streets of Melbourne and surrounds to help people use the mobility vehicles in safer way.
Road Policing Command Superintendent Justin Goldsmith said that warmer weather will no doubt draw people out of their house for outdoor activities.
“With the weather improving, and the increasing calendar of social events around Melbourne – it’s no surprise that e-scooters are proving to be a hugely popular way of getting around.
“Victoria Police will be increasing its focus on e-scooter riders coming into spring and summer – if you’re using an e-scooter, you should expect to be intercepted and spoken to by police.
Several rules need to be followed when using an electric scooter, including wearing a helmet, not riding on the footpath, only one person on a scooter at a time and only riding if you’re over 18.
“Between 1 December 2021 and 31 August 2022, police have issued 487 e-scooter infringements, with majority for failing to wear a helmet, riding e-scooters on the footpath, and carrying more than one person on an e-scooter,” said Victoria Police.
Failure to comply with these rules could leave you out of pocket with $185 fine says Victoria Police, who also say that riders could lose their driver license if they blow over 0.05 alcohol limit.
High powered e-scooters are classed as motor vehicles and if unregistered can concur a $925 fine.
He went on to say that while it’s hard to know all the rules around E-scooter usage, users should in general play it safe.
“We acknowledge there remains some confusion amongst the community around the rules when it comes to trial e-scooters, and privately-owned e-scooters. The onus is on riders to ensure they understand and comply with the rules before getting on an e-scooter.
“Education is always our preference, but we won’t hesitate to issue infringements for non-compliance and blatant disregard for the rules – particularly if it involves putting other road users’ safety at risk”.
