Community
2 February, 2023
Queenslanders riding e-scooters warned to know their legal rights and new road rules
A MAJOR Australian law firm is warning e-scooter riders that speeding, failing to wear a helmet or riding while underage could affect their legal entitlements in the event of an accident involving severe injuries.
Slater and Gordon Head of Work and Roads Claims QLD, Peta Yujnovich said with school returning this week, it was necessary to remember that children under 12 are not allowed to use e-scooters, and those aged between 12 and 16 can only ride if supervised by an adult.
“Queenslanders should take notice of the new road rules, which came into effect in November last year, before hiring or riding an e-scooter,” Ms Yujnovich said.
“The 12 to 16-year-olds also need to ensure their mobile phones are in their backpacks, not in a pocket and that the e-scooter is fitted with a bell.
“Ignoring the rules could affect your compensation if you are seriously injured and need to make a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) claim against an insurer or another road user.
“If you break one of these rules, it could affect your legal rights and ability to bring a claim for negligence if you are injured while riding an e-scooter,” she said.
“If you have broken the law, and this has contributed to your accident or injury, you may be found partly responsible for the accident.
“If you were injured while two people were riding on a scooter, for example, your compensation could be reduced because you haven’t looked after your safety and may be found to have contributed to the accident or injury.
“This may mean you have less compensation available to cover your medical costs, pain and suffering and potentially loss of income if your injury has meant you can no longer work.”
Ms Yujnovich said drinking alcohol and riding an e-scooter, failing to wear a helmet, travelling at over 12km/h on a footpath or shared path, or using a mobile phone while riding would also attract fines.
“Personal mobility device riders who break the road rules will be given the same fines as drivers but will not accumulate demerit points,” she said.
“Failing to give way to a vehicle when entering a roundabout could cost you more than $400.
“Exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h could cost you $575. There are new speed limits depending on what kind of path or road you’re riding on.
“And for drinking alcohol while riding, the fine has been increased to $431,” Ms Yujnovich said.
“If you have school-aged children, make sure they understand the rules and know the consequences of breaking them. Young people are very vulnerable on our roads and are already overrepresented in road injuries and fatalities.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure we all stay safe while getting to and from school and work each day. E-scooters are an easy way to get around, but if you don’t know the rules, you could be endangering yourself, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.”
Ms Yujnovich said if people had concerns an e-scooter may not be safe, they should take it to their local bike or scooter shop to have it checked.
