Review into WA's e-scooter laws finds 'concerning' lack of compliance from riders
A review of WA's e-scooter laws have found a "concerning" lack of compliance with speed limits and a lack of enforcement, leaving pedestrians feeling unsafe.
In 2021, the state government introduced laws to crack down on unsafe use of 'e-rideables' – encompassing everything from electronic scooters, unicycles, skateboards, roller skates and hoverboards.
It does not include e-bicycles or devices like a Segway.
Since then, the uptake of e-scooters and other e-rideables has skyrocketed, with the Road Safety Commission review describing them as a "mainstream" form of transport.
Between 2017 and 2022, 74 people were admitted to Royal Perth Hospital with serious injuries resulting from a e-rideable incident.
A review of the laws found while they are generally well-supported, some issues are causing problems — especially for pedestrians.
While crash rates between e-riders and pedestrians were deemed "not significant", the report said many people felt unsafe after experiencing near-misses.
The report described a concerning lack of compliance with the rules, like speeding and not giving way to pedestrians.
There had also been examples of illegal or modified devices being used in public — such as larger, heavier and faster devices — and being sold in retail outlets.
The report recommended more action was needed to decrease conflict between pedestrians and e-riders, especially on busy pathways.
It also called for better enforcement of the rules, increased penalties, and more user education and programs for school children.
The report recommended e-rideables should be allowed to be ridden on all roads with a speed limit of 50 kph or less, in order to spread the traffic.
As part of the review, the Road Safety Commission conducted a survey of more than 1,000 people which found almost without exception, people found the enforcement of the laws was insufficient.
Speeding along popular routes was the biggest concern, and other issues related to poor infrastructure that could contribute to crashes.
It said given the small wheel size and lack of suspension, many e-rideables are heavily affected by things like cracks in pavement, tree roots and rough paving.
The report said there was a general perception from people who don't ride e-rideables that they are dangerous.
Nevertheless, it suggested their popularity would continue to increase as technology advances.
The commission said it would now explore solutions to the issues raised in the review.
Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby has been contacted for comment.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story referred to e-bikes. This review does not consider e-bicycles as an 'e-rideable'. It is focused on devices such as e-scooters and e-skateboards.
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