A new study led by Anton Fichtenmaier and Amanda George has revealed deadly e-scooter statistics in Canberra. The research shows that approximately two-thirds of e-scooter users are riding illegally, raising concerns about safety and compliance with local regulations. The results have already led to energetic conversations about the role of micromobility in the region’s future. At the same time, the ACT government is preparing to reopen its micromobility permit market this month.
The research assessed user behavior and safety practices among e-scooter riders. Fichtenmaier added that these vehicles are often used on shorter routes, which makes them a popular option for commuters. Jonathan De Kock is a university student who frequently rides e-scooters. He’s convinced that taking the trip alongside friends—from strangers to friends in five days—doubles the fun of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
E-Scooter Usage Patterns
Scooter research indicates that two-thirds of e-scooter riders in Canberra are riding illegally. These riders underuse helmets and often ride where they outright should not go. The biggest takeaway is the shockingly high rate of private e-scooter riders seen without helmets—one in three.
De Kock was clear that, even though he recognizes the danger inherent in e-scooters, he doesn’t personally see the experience of riding them as very unsafe. “It’s back of mind, but I don’t take it too seriously,” he remarked. He mentioned that he does try to use helmets when they’re available, but often times can’t access them. “Quite often they’re not available and in those situations, I accept my fate,” he added.
This lax attitude towards the importance of safety amongst riders begs the question — what are the odds of an accident? USFSP Associate Professor Amanda George underscored the importance of additional research on e-scooter use during late night and early morning hours. “A key recommendation we made was to engage in some further research, particularly in those late at night and early morning periods,” she stated.
Government Response and Future Regulations
The ACT government is preparing to reopen its micromobility permit market. It intends to evaluate proposals and select up to two operators to provide services in the territory. We’ll be reintroducing stricter regulations for e-scooter use after an application period in June. This groundbreaking initiative will make safety the first priority and improve compliance first.
A government spokesperson told the Journal that the new permit system mandates an increasingly affordable daily fee of $1.04 per vehicle for companies. The spokesperson mentioned that “two operators would be considered where services complement each other either through competition on services and pricing or through the provision of services that meet different needs within the community.”
Even in the face of possible regulatory reform, e-scooters remain a hit with riders such as De Kock. To compound his situation, he confessed to the very usage law violations they are trying to eradicate. This doesn’t actually affect how much he rides. “I might get caught doing the wrong thing, but it does not really affect my e-scooter use,” he said.
Safety Culture Among E-Scooter Riders
The researchers’ biggest concern, reinforced by their observations of e-scooter user behavior, was a culture that encourages dangerous behavior. One of the most frequent responses we hear from riders is that people don’t wear helmets in Canberra. One local remarked, “It’s not typical to wear a helmet while riding an e-scooter in Canberra.” This indicates a dangerous level of normalization of risky behavior among riders.
What’s more, De Kock and his colleagues have not documented any significant harms as a result of riding e-scooters, even on nighttime runs. These perceptions of safety likely affect their decisions to not wear helmets or follow all the rules to the letter. As De Kock put it, “Bike riding in groups is great fun, getting a few people on the same scooter is in the same category of life experience.”
