North Brisbane police are cracking down on the dangerous operation of personal mobility devices (PMD) such as e-scooters and bikes in the inner city.
In a recent detection and prevention operation, Brisbane City Highway Patrol conducted proactive patrols and enforcement activities, targeting helmets not being worn and speeding.
Locations targeted during the January 14 operation included Goodwill Bridge, Kurilpa Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Kangaroo Point Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves, New Farm Riverwalk and the Bicentennial Bikeway.
The operation resulted in 52 infringement notices being issued to 50 people, with many related to speeding and not wearing a helmet.
A 24-year-old Brisbane City man was issued with two infringement notices for failing to wear a helmet.
It is alleged officers along the Bicentennial Bikeway first noticed the man not wearing a helmet while operating an e-scooter (despite having a helmet available) at 7.10am and issued him a $161 infringement notice.
It is further alleged officers at Goodwill Bridge found the man riding the e-scooter without a secured helmet at 7:22am despite having just been issued with a warning about wearing helmets properly, and subsequently issued him with another $161 infringement notice.
Throughout the operation officers also educated riders about how to stay safe when using these devices.
Too often North Brisbane police respond to e-scooter crashes which result in serious injuries including concussions and deep lacerations.
Police are reminding PMD users to always wear a helmet, do not double (have two or more people use a device meant for one person), do not use your phone, stick to 12km/h on footpaths and 25km/h elsewhere unless otherwise signed and don’t drink and ride.
Brisbane City Sergeant Michelle Clarke said the district saw too many serious crashes in 2024.
“Police frequently respond to e-scooter involved crashes where riders required treatment for serious injuries,” Sergeant Clarke said.
“It’s important to remember that these devices, particularly when travelling at speed, are not toys and can significantly harm pedestrians and riders.”
“If you choose to operate one, you are legally required to follow the rules, including speed limit, wearing a helmet and not using a phone.”
“This is ultimately for your safety and the safety of pedestrians.”
For those who do choose to ride PMDs, Brisbane City police stress the importance of:
- Wearing appropriate safety gear, including helmets.
- Riding responsibly and operating within the road rules.
- Being vigilant and cautious, particularly around roads and pedestrians.
The penalties for misuse are:
- Speeding – up to $645
- No helmet – $161
- Using a phone – $1,209
- Double riding – $161
- Riding on a prohibited road – $193
North Brisbane District will continue to raise awareness, conduct enforcement operations, and advocate for behaviours that keep riders, pedestrians, and motorists safe.
For more information about appropriate PMD use and rules, visit: https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/pmd/tools-tips/.
