Police are cracking down on people deliberately flouting eRideable rules, particularly in busy pedestrian areas such as the Perth central business district and coastal shared paths.
Officers are targeting riders using illegal devices, exceeding speed limits on shared paths and footpaths, and not wearing a helmet.
Minister for Police, Paul Papalia said eRideable legislation reflecting the nationally agreed approach to these devices was introduced in December 2021 and clearly outlined the speed, size and weight limits for devices used on public property.
“Despite multiple mass media campaigns and community engagement efforts to educate users, eScooters exceeding legal limits have been detected in the community,” Mr Papalia said.
“The police are responding by seizing these unlicensed motor vehicles in an ongoing operation targeting the dangerous and unlawful use of eRideables.”
He said that as a result of this targeted enforcement, 823 infringements were issued and 64 eRideables impounded during a 16-month period.
“Enforcement efforts have been bolstered during National Road Safety Week, with one of the daily themes of the week promoting the safe sharing of paths,” Mr Papalia said.
“In general, Western Australians have embraced eRideables and while most people are doing the right thing and riding safely and sensibly, there are people deliberately flouting the law.”
He said the risk of seriously injuring themselves or someone else should be enough of a deterrent for these rogue riders “and it’s disappointing that hitting people in the hip pocket is often the only way to curb dangerous behaviour”.
