The State’s peak motoring body is calling for stricter regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters following a shocking rise in injuries and deaths.
RACQ has made 23 recommendations to the State Government’s Parliamentary Safety Inquiry to make the e-mobility devices safer.
Some of the recommendations include impounding illegal devices, strengthening enforcement of rules for legal devices, enhancing rider protection and improving education and accountability.
RACQ General Manager of Advocacy Joshua Cooney said the Government needs to act quickly.
“Since 2018, nearly 6,300 people presented to Queensland emergency departments with injuries from an e-mobility crash, many of which suffered severe facial injuries,” Mr Cooney said.
“Most of our members recognise that e-mobility devices have their benefits but the scale of lawlessness and subsequent trauma on Queensland’s roads and paths demands urgent action.”
Under current Queensland law, any e-scooter or e-bike used on our roads or paths that is unregistered and powered to exceed 25km/hr is illegal.
“These devices should be classified as a motorcycle and be registered if they comply with safety and design standards,” Mr Cooney said.
“We’re calling on the State Government to use existing laws to impound these illegal and dangerous devices and remove them from our roads and pathways. These devices greatly increase the risk of severe injury or death”.
The submission also recommends the adoption of artificial intelligence cameras to improve compliance with hired e-scooters by automating enforcement and enhance monitoring abilities.
Mr Cooney said the inquiry was an opportunity for Queensland to emerge as a national, even global, leader in managing the safe and sustainable use of e-mobility devices.
“We have the data, experience, and public appetite, now we need the cooperation and will from all stakeholders to build a system that works for all road users,” he said.
