E-scooter safety has become a growing concern in Kangaroo Point after a recent incident on Holman Street.
This accident, which occurred on 1 January 2025, left a child injured and was taken to Queensland Children’s Hospital, underscoring the urgent need for stronger safety regulations amid rising injury rates in Queensland emergency departments.
Safety Statistics: A Disturbing Trend
E-scooters, once praised for their convenience and environmental benefits, are now under scrutiny due to a surge in related accidents. Since January 2019, Brisbane’s emergency departments have recorded 4,233 e-scooter accident presentations.
By the end of May 2024, there had already been 558 reported incidents, indicating that the number of incidents in 2024 was on track to surpass the previous year’s total of 1,273. The most common injuries reported are fractures, followed by open wounds, and sprains or strains, with over half involving head and facial injuries—suggesting a lack of helmet use among riders.
Tragic Tales: A Call for Caution
The dangers aren’t limited to younger individuals. On 9 June 2024, a tragic incident near the Story Bridge saw a 57-year-old man from East Brisbane lose his life after losing control of his e-bike. The incident highlights the risks faced by all ages and the critical need for improved safety measures on shared paths.
Community Response: Seeking Safer Streets
The Queensland Police Service Road Policing Group, through Acting Inspector Gareth Bosley, has voiced a pressing need for caution, especially among the city’s younger and inexperienced riders.
The law clearly states that unsupervised e-scooter usage is prohibited for those under 16 and restricted to private property for those under 12.
Furthermore, local sentiment, as gathered through a recent city survey, reveals growing concerns about pedestrian safety and the clutter caused by improperly parked e-scooters and e-bikes.
Photo Credit: Pexels
A Path Forward
The focus is still on encouraging safe riding habits and following traffic laws as Kangaroo Point and the surrounding areas struggle with the increase in e-scooters and e-bikes.
With community safety as the top priority, there is a greater need than ever for stronger enforcement and preventative measures that strike a balance between the advantages of contemporary mobility and the necessity of public safety.
Published 10-Jan-2025
