E-scooter riders must wear helmets, police say. Photo: stock
Too many e-scooter and bike crashes are resulting in serious injuries like concussions and lacerations, say Brisbane Police.
And a Brisbane man was fined twice within 15 minutes for not wearing a helmet last Monday as part of a police crackdown in the inner city.
Brisbane City Police sergeant Michelle Clarke says there were too many serious crashes last year involving personal mobility devices (PMDs) in 2024.
“Police frequently respond to e-scooter involved crashes where riders required treatment for serious injuries,” he says.
“It’s important to remember that these devices, particularly when travelling at speed, are not toys and can significantly harm pedestrians and riders.
“If you choose to operate one, you are legally required to follow the rules, including speed limit, wearing a helmet and not using a phone,” Sgt Clarke says.
“This is ultimately for your safety and the safety of pedestrians.”
Last Monday, Brisbane Highway Patrol targeted riders not using helmets and speeding at locations such as the Goodwill, Kurilpa, Victoria and Kangaroo Point bridges as well as Howard Smith Wharves, New Farm Riverwalk and Bicentennial Bikeway.
Qld Police say 52 fines were handed out to 50 people, with many related to speeding and not wearing a helmet.
A 24-year-old Brisbane man was fined $161 along the Bicentennial Bikeway at 7.10am for not wearing his helmet and he was fined $161 again at 7.22am at Goodwill Bridge.
SAFE USE
Police say anyone using a PMD must wear a helmet, do not double (have two or more people on a device meant for one person), do not use your phone, stick to 12km/h on footpaths and 25km/h elsewhere unless otherwise signed and don’t drink and ride.
For those riding PMDs, Brisbane City police stress the following:
Wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets;
Ride responsibly and abide by the road rules;
Being vigilant and cautious, particularly around roads and pedestrians.
PENALTIES
Police say the penalties are:
- Speeding – up to $645;
- No helmet – $161;
- Using a phone – $1209:
- Double riding – $161;
- Riding on a prohibited road – $193.
North Brisbane Police will continue to raise awareness, enforce the law and advocate for behaviour that keep riders, pedestrians, and motorists safe.
For more information about PMD use and rules, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/pmd/tools-tips/
