In Western Australia, the government has announced a ban on children under 16 from riding and storing e-rideables at all public schools, effective from the start of 2026. This decision follows an alarming uptick in e-scooter related accidents. This year already, these incidents have resulted in seven fatalities, more than the total number of people killed in such incidents in the last three years combined. One of the injured was Thanh Phan. He sadly died after an English tourist ran into him with an e-scooter in the Perth CBD in mid-May.
The rising toll of injuries involving e-scooters and e-bikes has lead to a wide-ranging parliamentary inquiry. As a result of this investigation, 33 recommendations were made to strengthen safety requirements for these devices. After a 59-year-old woman was seriously injured by a rogue electric motorcycle in July, this inquiry’s scope grew. Regulatory action has never been more pressing. A 14-year-old boy remains in critical condition after a collision involving his e-bike in Perth’s western suburbs earlier this month.
E-Rideables Under Scrutiny
Our investigation into e-rideables started after a series of alarming crashes and near-misses sounded the alarm on safety. Officials have begun to look at what regulations they could enact to make sure such a tragedy doesn’t happen again. Education Minister Sabine Winton emphasized the need for clarity regarding the legality of e-rideables, stating, “clearly highlighted that for many, many parents out there, there’s a misunderstanding about what is legal and what’s not.”
As a result, the inquiry has exposed the significant hazards created by e-scooters. This past November, it further broadened its definition of e-rideables to include electric dirt bikes. This kind of inclusivity would show the government is serious about making sure national safety standards are thorough and cover all sorts of electric vehicles.
Legislative Response to Rising Incidents
These disconcerting figures regarding e-rideable-related deaths have led to a rush of governmental action. Winton remarked, “It is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to be riding e-rideables,” underscoring the necessity for stricter adherence to age regulations. These are all steps the Florida government is taking to create a safer environment for riders and pedestrians alike.
Incidents such as Thanh Phan’s tragic death serve as sobering and painful reminders of the risks they face. In response, legislators are focused on passing legislation that will help mitigate the dangers pertaining to these new forms of transportation. The recent injuries and fatalities have catalyzed discussions about safety measures and the responsible use of e-rideables within the community.
Future Safety Initiatives
WA is preparing to implement its new rules. Simultaneously, the government is working hard to find additional ways to increase safety for all e-rideable users. The inquiry’s recommendations may lead to further educational programs aimed at informing the public about safe riding practices and legal requirements.
