Electric scooter users have been warned they will no longer be given leniency after hundreds of people were caught riding on pavements without helmets.
Officers fined almost 300 passengers during a two-day crackdown earlier this month in Melbourne’s central business district and major transport hubs.
Some 137 electric scooter riders were fined for not wearing an approved helmet and 73 for riding on a path, which police described as “extremely dangerous”.
A motorcyclist will face court after refusing an oral fluid test, while 12 were fined for failing to obey a traffic light and three for carrying a passenger.
Nearly 300 electric scooter riders have been fined during a two-day crackdown in Melbourne’s CBD. (pictured, cyclists in Melbourne)
Electric scooters can only be ridden on shared paths and highways with a speed limit of up to 60 km/h, but any scooter capable of exceeding 25 km/h is restricted to use on private property.
They are allowed on a trial basis with the state government due to introduce a permanent scheme from October.
Police are focusing on the behavior of electric scooter users in the CBD and built-up areas due to community concerns, Deputy Commissioner Glenn Weir said.
“While most people use electric scooters responsibly, unfortunately we see that many users continue to ignore the rules when it comes to electric scooters,” he said.
“The time for leniency is over, the rules on electric scooters under the government test have been in force for some time, so there is no excuse for not knowing what you can and cannot do on an electric scooter “
Acting Inspector Michael Tsaloumas said too many collisions were caused by cyclists riding on pavements, and some suffered serious injuries.
“Cyclists must respect the rules, including not riding on the sidewalk and wearing a helmet at all times,” he said.
“Those who fail to do so will be held accountable and face significant sanctions.”
Electric scooters have been allowed in public from 2021 in Ballarat and 2022 in the city, with data showing riders made around eight million trips during that period to April 2024.
The Australian Medical Association previously called for stricter rules after a Royal Melbourne Hospital study revealed that 247 motorcyclists and nine pedestrians involved in collisions had been treated for injuries in 2023.