In recent years, e-scooters have surged in popularity across Western Australia, offering a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport. However, with this rapid adoption comes a concerning rise in incidents and injuries, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, education and adherence to safety regulations.
The Growing Concern
According to recent reports, serious e-scooter crashes have increased exponentially in WA. In 2021, 39 patients were admitted to Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) due to e-scooter-related injuries, a number that jumped to 62 in 2022. Alarmingly, in just the first two months of 2023, 19 patients were admitted. Many of these incidents involve riders who were not wearing helmets or were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, significantly increasing the risk of severe head injuries.
Understanding WA’s E-Scooter Laws
Western Australia has specific regulations governing e-scooter use to ensure rider and pedestrian safety. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and their devices must not exceed 25km/h on level ground. Helmets are mandatory, and riders must adhere to standard road laws, including not riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, e-scooters should not be left obstructing pathways, ensuring safe passage for all road users and pedestrians2.
Moving Forward
Through the Road Trauma Support WA service (RTSWA), we witness firsthand the devastating impact of road incidents, including those involving e-scooters. The injuries sustained can be life-altering, affecting not only the riders but also their families and communities. As e-scooters become more popular, greater access to timely data is required to help us understand the causes of injuries and how they can be prevented. It is also crucial to raise awareness among the community of the regulations relating to e-scooters, identify opportunities to modify the built environment to protect riders and educate riders on responsible usage.
While e-scooters offer undeniable benefits, their safe integration into society requires a collective effort. Riders must prioritise helmet use, obey speed limits, and avoid riding under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Authorities should continue refining regulations and promoting awareness campaigns to mitigate risks. Creating a safe system that encompasses e-scooters means everyone shares responsibility (from users, planners, policy makers and law enforcement) to ensure e-scooters remain a safe and sustainable transport option for all.
