As e-scooter use surges in Brisbane, particularly in the crowded CBD, riders may not realise that misusing these devices could result in severe penalties, including losing their driver’s licence.
With thousands of people now choosing e-scooters for quick transport through the city, authorities are cracking down on unsafe practices. Incidents like speeding, riding under the influence, and neglecting safety rules are being met with increasing legal consequences.
E-scooters have become a fixture of Brisbane’s streets and footpaths, especially in the CBD, where the number of users has rapidly grown. Riders zipping between pedestrians and cyclists are a common sight. However, this rise in popularity has brought with it a range of safety concerns. With many riders unaware that Queensland’s traffic laws apply to e-scooters just as they do to cars and motorbikes, local authorities are issuing stronger penalties for dangerous behaviour.
A Stark Example
One well-known example of the risks associated with e-scooter misuse is the case of Owen Bagi, who lost his driver’s licence for six months after being caught speeding on his e-scooter. Mr Bagi was filmed riding his Dragon Warrior X11 e-scooter—capable of reaching speeds of 100 km/h—without a helmet in September 2022, flying past a cyclist on a bikeway near the Western Freeway.
At the time, Mr Bagi was on his way to work and later admitted in court to reaching speeds over 90 km/h, though he claimed he was travelling at 48 km/h when he passed the cyclist. The court charged him with the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, resulting in a six-month suspension of his driver’s licence. This significant penalty underscored how seriously authorities take e-scooter violations.
Growing Safety and Congestion Concerns in Brisbane CBD
As the number of e-scooter riders increases in Brisbane’s CBD, public safety concerns are becoming more pronounced. Riders share footpaths and bike lanes with pedestrians and cyclists, leading to occasional collisions and near misses. The situation has created its kind of congestion, as e-scooter riders compete for limited space on busy streets and walkways.
The rapid adoption of e-scooters has forced authorities to rethink how to manage this new form of mobility. Queensland’s laws are clear: riders must not exceed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15, must adhere to speed limits (generally 25 km/h on bike paths and local roads), and must always wear helmets.
Failure to comply with these rules can result in hefty fines, court appearances, and, as seen in Bagi’s case, the loss of a driver’s licence. Despite these laws, enforcing them across many riders remains challenging, prompting the community and local government to call for tighter regulation.
Cancellation of Beam’s Licence
In an effort to better regulate the surge in e-scooter use, Brisbane recently cancelled the operating licence of Beam, one of the city’s main e-scooter providers. The decision came after an investigation revealed that Beam had systematically exceeded its daily vehicle cap by 500 scooters, a violation the company disputes. The council, however, chose to terminate Beam’s contract, making Brisbane the first Australian city to take such action against an e-scooter operator.
Transport chair Cr Ryan Murphy confirmed that Beam’s devices would be progressively removed from Brisbane’s streets, and a replacement operator would be sought. Mr Murphy reassured the public that the e-scooter scheme itself was not in danger, and that the focus was on ensuring that operators comply with agreed-upon safety and operational standards.
Brisbane’s move to cancel Beam’s licence is part of a broader national conversation about the role of e-scooters in urban transport. Other councils, such as the Sunshine Coast, have recently voted to end e-scooter trials due to safety concerns, while Melbourne has faced ongoing debates about banning the devices altogether. Townsville in North Queensland also cancelled its agreement with Beam in early September.
Published 27-Sept-2024