A recent review of Western Australia’s e-bike and e-scooter laws has revealed a troubling lack of adherence to speed limits and limited law enforcement, raising concerns about pedestrian safety.
In 2021, the state government implemented regulations targeting unsafe behavior involving ‘e-rideables’—a category that includes e-scooters, unicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and hoverboards. Since the laws were introduced, usage of these devices has soared, with the Road Safety Commission noting that they have become a “mainstream” mode of transportation.
Between 2017 and 2022, Royal Perth Hospital recorded 74 cases of serious injuries linked to e-rideable incidents.
While the review found that the regulations are generally supported, significant issues remain, especially regarding pedestrian interactions. Though collisions between e-riders and pedestrians were relatively rare, many pedestrians reported feeling unsafe due to frequent near-misses.
The report highlighted widespread non-compliance with rules, including speeding and failing to yield to pedestrians. There were also reports of unauthorized or modified high-speed devices being used in public and sold commercially.
Recommendations for Improvement
To reduce pedestrian-e-rider conflict, particularly in high-traffic areas, the report recommended stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, and more education—especially for school-aged users.
It also raised alarm over a rapid increase in e-scooter injuries, with many incidents involving riders who were intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, or not wearing helmets.
One key suggestion was to permit e-rideables on all roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or below, to help disperse traffic more evenly.
A survey of over 1,000 participants conducted by the Road Safety Commission found widespread dissatisfaction with how the current laws are enforced. Excessive speeding on busy routes was the top concern, followed by inadequate infrastructure contributing to accidents.
The report noted that the small wheels and lack of suspension on many e-rideables make them vulnerable to common road hazards like cracks, tree roots, and uneven surfaces.
While non-riders generally viewed e-rideables as unsafe, the report acknowledged their growing popularity and predicted continued growth as technology improves.
The Road Safety Commission stated it would begin addressing the concerns raised in the review.
Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby has yet to comment.
