The Queensland Government is introducing a range of new rules for E-rideables this week which include reducing speed limits and handing out bigger penalties.
Covering mobility devices such as e-scooters and e-skateboards, the new legislation promises to improve safety and user-awareness on these relatively new and previously un-regulated modes of transport.
From this Tuesday the speed limit on a footpath will be reduced to 12 kilometres per hour while the current 25 kilometres per hour speed limit will remain the same for bike paths and roads.
In addition, there will be fines for offences involving driving in excess of speed limits, illegal road use and holding a mobile phone while riding.
Mobility devices will also now have to follow all of the rules of the road such as stopping at red lights.
Beam, who are Asia Pacific’s largest shared micromobility company and operate 300 e-scooters in Mackay, are getting behind this new legislation by launching their own ‘Ride Kind’ campaign educating road users about the changes.
At the same time, Beam is investing heavily in shared e-scooter technology for additional oversight over rider use.
For example, Beam restricts where their vehicles can operate, via ‘geofencing’ technology, which allows them to designate specific operating areas, low-speed and no parking areas.
Beam’s e-scooters are speed restricted, have 24-hour GPS tracking and include a helmet with every vehicle, with technology to detect if the helmet has been used during a trip and issue warnings to riders who are breaking the rules.
A “three strikes” policy ensures those breaking the rules face warnings, suspensions, or permanent bans when caught breaking the law.
Beam General Manager (Australia and New Zealand) Tom Cooper said he welcomes the new legislation.
“The added technology in shared e-scooters that differentiates Beam’s from privately owned e-scooters, ensures that we can regulate Beam e-scooter use under the new legislation,” he said.
“Our campaign aims to educate all Beam riders in Queensland of the new rules ahead of 1 November.
“We know that the majority of riders do the right thing, but we’ll be working closely with the Queensland Police Service in all cities we operate to educate and enforce the riding rules.”
• 16 and up to ride solo, 12 and up with an adult
• Riding with a helmet is mandatory
• $431 fine for drinking and riding
• $1078 if touching your phone when riding
• 12km per hour on footpaths
• 25km per hour on roads and bike lanes
• Riding on local roads allowed
• 50km speed limit roads you must be in a bike lane
Image: New rules apply when riding your e-scooter around Mackay
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