A crackdown on e-scooters has resulted in nearly 800 fines issued by Queensland authorities since November.
Nearly 400 riders were caught without helmets, 161 were caught on prohibited roads and 52 were over the speed limit.
About 50 operators were fined for carrying passengers illegally, and 23 were accused of failing to stop at red lights.
On November 1, Queensland lowered sidewalk speed limits for e-scooters and increased fines to over $1,000 (US$688) for some violations in a series of changes aimed at reckless users. .
Under the rules, the maximum speed of other mobility devices such as e-scooters and e-skateboards was reduced to 12 km/h on shared passes, with a minimum fine of $143 for those who violated the limit.
Infrastructure such as bike paths and public roads maintain a speed limit of 25 km/h.
Warning bells are now mandatory for all devices, and penalties can range up to a $1,078 fine if you’re caught using your phone while riding.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said at the time that the government had not apologized for the crackdown.
“We want everyone who uses our sidewalks, bike paths and bike lanes to be safe from harm.These reforms will go a long way toward strengthening Queensland’s road rules around this new technology. said Bailey.
Riders were fined $431 for drunkenness, but could face a fine of $143 for not wearing a helmet or “doubling”.
Transport researchers warned earlier this month that a “patchwork” of conflicting laws regulating the use of electric scooters across Australia is putting riders and pedestrians at risk.
Over the New Year holidays, a serious e-scooter accident left a NSW man in a coma and two teenage Queensland riders were ‘severely injured’ in a car accident.
A recent e-scooter trial in Melbourne revealed more than 250 crashes in a year.
Australian Associated Press is an Australian news agency.