In an effort to improve the safety of e-scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMD), new legislation has been introduced in Parliament.
The proposed legislation aims to create an offence of riding a PMD or bicycle without due care and attention in road-related areas, extending beyond roads to footpaths, cycleways or shared paths. This is in line with existing legislation on roads.
In addition, the proposed legislation seeks to harmonise post-crash obligations for all drivers and riders, requiring them to stop, remain at the scene, provide medical assistance and exchange relevant information. This consistency will ensure that all parties involved in a crash, regardless of location, are subject to the same obligations.
The amendments also introduce safeguards for vulnerable people who may not be able to exchange personal information, allowing them to report the accident to the police instead.
Subject to parliamentary scrutiny, the proposed laws will come into force once passed.
This development follows the publication of the PMD Safety Action Plan in mid-2012, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads implementing 16 of the 18 actions outlined. These reforms, which aim to balance emerging mobility trends with safety, position Queensland at the forefront of national efforts.