In order to reduce the number of people injured by electric scooters and stop reckless riders,
Queensland has introduced tougher penalties for e-scooters and similar personal mobility devices (PMDs).
Under the new graduated fines system, speeding cyclists will be hit with fines ranging from $143 to $575.
The fine for drinking alcohol while riding has been raised to $431, and riders who use their phones while riding an e-scooter face a hefty $1078 fine.
The new regulations also have new speed limits for e-scooters.
In Queensland, serious injuries to e-scooter riders and pedestrians are increasing, so e-scooters are now limited to 12km/h on footpaths and 25km/h on cycleways and roads.
Other states also have a range of regulations regarding electric scooters.
Transport for NSW stated: “You can only ride shared e-scooters rented through approved e-scooter suppliers on roads in NSW or in trial areas in relevant areas (such as shared roads), but are not allowed to ride. Privately owned electric scooters.”
Private e-scooters are not allowed on public roads and footpaths in Victoria, but commercial e-scooters are allowed in certain areas.
South Australia has a strict “no e-scooters” policy on roads or footpaths, cycle/pedestrian paths or vehicle parking areas as the devices “do not meet vehicle registration standards”.
In Western Australia, e-scooters are allowed on footpaths and shared roads, with riders required to keep left and give way to pedestrians.
Tasmania has very specific rules for electric scooters that are allowed on the road. It must be less than 125cm long, 70cm wide and 135cm high, weigh less than 45kg, travel no faster than 25km/h and be designed to be ridden by a single person.