E-scooter popularity leads to safety rollout

State government announces further safety precautions

Rowan Anderson

Journalist

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With several accidents linked to e-scooter use locally the State Government recently announced further safety precautions to be implemented. Image: Beam

The popularity of e-scooters is continuing to rise and increasingly becoming one of the most popular modes of transport around the world.

Since their introduction to Port Douglas earlier this year the same can be seen throughout the region.

Tourism spurs on e-popularity

According to Beam ANZ’s General Manager Tom Cooper, the company’s operational footprint in Port Douglas grew significantly over the first few months with nine resorts signing on to be part of the scheme as dedicated parking zones including Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and Coral Beach Lodge.

Beam launched operations in September last year in Port Douglas, specifically designed to assist with tourist attraction and retention.

“Statistics show that tourists spend more when utilising e-scooters, and with the tough tourism conditions due to COVID-19 we have been thrilled to support local tourism and help stimulate economic activity.

“It’s no secret that tourism around Australia has suffered due to the pandemic, and we’ve enjoyed working with the local tourism industry to revitalise tourism ahead of summer. For the first time in Australia, we chose to partner with resorts and hotels and have e-scooters parked at their properties for hire.”

Mayor backs better safety precautions for riders

However, with several accidents linked to e-scooter use locally, including one user finding themselves in Mossman Hospital, the State Government recently announced further safety precautions to be implemented.

The safety measures have been welcomed by Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr, as he told Newsport.

“I welcome the regulatory reform for e-scooter usage brought in by the State Government. These changes will make our local roads and footpaths safer for all users,” Mayor Kerr said.

“In Douglas, Council staff worked with the e-scooter company to ensure riders only travel in places that will not cause a nuisance. For example, the e-scooters are GPS-tracked and cannot enter Macrossan Street. They also must be returned to a designated parking bay on private property, not just left anywhere for another user.

New rules rolled out by State Government

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey released the Personal Mobility Device Safety Action Plan earlier this week.

“It’s hard to miss how successful the uptake of e-scooters has been here in Queensland, from the Coast up to Cairns,” Mr Bailey said.

“In the short term, we will be delivering a package of regulation changes, including speed limits on some footpaths, mandating warning devices (like bells), enforcement of non-complying devices, increased penalties for high-risk offences, and clearer signage,” he said.

“This package of regulations will be delivered by the end of the year.

“In the medium term, we want to finalise an improved parking plan, produced by the working group, which has already met multiple times, and rollout the signage in specific areas, which will be done over the next year.

“Getting a solution on parking is critical and that’s why we created a working group with pedestrian and disability advocates shared scheme providers and local government representatives to work on e-scooter parking solutions for pathways around the inner-city.

“In the long term, we want to build better active transport infrastructure, develop import rules with the federal government and continue working with stakeholders.

“All of which will help deliver safer outcomes for everyone when it comes to e-scooters.”

“We’ll also be increasing the penalties for high-risk offences to ensure e-scooter riders are aware of the consequences of unsafe riding.

Mr Bailey said penalties followed the announcement of 12 km/h speed limits on footpaths.
With the rollout of these new safety precautions hopefully the ride can continue for e-scooters throughout our great region.

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