Consumer Protection and the Road Safety Commission have teamed with eRideable retailers ahead of the festive season in a bid to keep riders and the wider community safe.
In a statement, Consumer Protection said eRideables were expected to be popular gifts this Christmas, and while they were a fun way to get around, they were not toys and should not be used by anyone under the age of 16.
Commissioner for Road Safety, Adrian Warner said the safe, sensible use of eRideables started before a purchase was made.
“That’s why we have launched the Make Every eRide Safe campaign, which is recruiting retailers to help promote all-important safety messaging,” Mr Warner said.
He said data from Perth Children’s Hospital showed the number of eRideable crashes involving riders under the age of 16 had doubled each year from 2017, and this trend was expected to continue in 2022.
“If you’re considering an eRideable for yourself or a loved one this Christmas, it’s important to know the rules in place and understand they are there for good reason,” Mr Warner said.
“First and foremost, eRideables are not toys and are strictly for people aged 16 years and over. Secondly, eRideables are limited in weight and size and must not exceed 25kg.”
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Gary Newcombe also urged consumers, particularly parents, to be aware of eRideable laws in Western Australia before purchasing an eScooter or eSkateboard.
“Safety is everyone’s business and retailers need to take responsibility to inform consumers about eRideable laws so shoppers can make informed choices,” Mr Newcombe said.
“An eRideable is a popular method of transportation and is certainly on the top of many Christmas lists, but it’s important to understand they are not suitable for children under 16 and they are capable of causing very serious injuries if not used correctly.”
