Queensland has introduced a crackdown on e-scooter “cowboys” with rushing and drink driving on footpaths set to be outlawed.
However, the state authorities is unable to verify when new reforms will likely be in place, saying additional discussions could take months.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey mentioned e-scooter pace limits will likely be reduce by half to 12km/hr on footpaths and warning gadgets like bells will likely be mandated.
Mr Bailey needs police to give you the option to “throw the book” at rogue riders on footpaths.
“Those sorts of cowboys in the e-scooter community, we want to sort them out,” he mentioned on Sunday.
“If you are speeding in a car you get fined, if you are speeding on an e-scooter you should be fined as well.
“Drink driving is a matter. I would like to see that stamped out as nicely. If you might be over .05 and on one among these items you might be unsafe.”
But Mr Bailey said there was still work to be done on aligning different rules of enforcement for roads and footpaths, and resolving issues on “is it a car, is it not a car”.
Other measures would include creating parking rules to keep footpaths clear and looking at shared laneways.
He said new reforms were needed with e-scooter use in Queensland “almost double the nationwide price” since they were legalised in 2018.
“What we’re discovering is numerous pedestrians really feel threatened after they (e-scooters) are ridden on footpaths,” Mr Bailey said.
“One of the primary points I used to be involved about is listening to that folks with disabilities had been feeling so threatened that they had been shifting round locally so much much less, significantly individuals with visible impairments.
“Another issue that concerns me is how they are parked … people particularly with visual impairment are fearful of falling over them.”
An e-scooter security schooling marketing campaign is deliberate alongside the brand new measures, he mentioned.
Australian Associated Press