Officers from the Cairns Highway Patrol are educating Personal Mobility Device (PMD) riders, in a bid to reduce dangerous riding around Cairns suburbs.
Police are conducting high-visibility and targeted patrols, focusing on educating riders and enforcing PMD rules when required to improve safety.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is also partnering with local schools to deliver presentations, to educate young riders.
Police are reminding riders that hefty penalties apply if they are caught speeding, riding without a helmet, using a phone while riding, doubling, or riding on a prohibited road.
On 2 October, police intercepted a 27-year-old woman riding an e-scooter on Mulgrave Road without a helmet.
She was given a warning for riding on a prohibited road and was issued a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) for riding without a helmet, which carries a penalty of $166.
Earlier that morning police intercepted a 28-year-old woman on Aeroglen Drive, after attempting to pull her over with lights and sirens for approximately 500 metres.
She was given a warning in relation to riding on a prohibited road and was urged not to wear headphones while riding.
Senior Constable Dan Whitling from the Cairns Highway Patrol Unit said it's important riders are aware of the PMD rules.
"While we are focused on education, police will be enforcing rules and will issue traffic infringements where required," Senior Constable Whitling said.
"PMD riders can be vulnerable road users, and the last thing we want to see is someone getting injured or worse when riding to school or work."
Rules and safety tips:
- E-scooters are not permitted on roads more where the speed limit is more than 50km/h.
- Footpaths, shared paths, bike paths, and local streets and on-road bike lanes where the road limit is 50km/h or less.
- The speed limit for PMDs is 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths unless otherwise signed.
- PMD riders must stick to the 25km/h speed limit on bike paths and roads.
- You must wear a helmet when riding.
- Doubling is prohibited.
- PMD riders must be 12 years old or more, 12-15-year-olds must be supervised.
- Do not drink and ride.
- Adhere to the general road rules.
- Warn pedestrians with your bell when passing.
For more information about e-scooter rules and penalties, visit: Rules for riders | StreetSmarts – Queensland Government
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
