If unsafe e-scooter rides by kids get under your skin, you’ll want to hear about this $1,161 fine
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E-scooters have become a popular choice for getting around Australian cities, offering convenience and a greener alternative to traditional transport.
Yet, recent incidents have raised urgent questions about safety and compliance with the rules designed to protect riders and pedestrians alike.
What appeared to be everyday use has instead highlighted worrying behaviour with potentially serious consequences.
Many Australians have increasingly embraced e-scooters as a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate city streets, avoiding traffic jams and parking difficulties.
However, a concerning incident in Cairns, Queensland, brought attention to dangerous practices involving these devices.
On 26 May, two adults, believed to be parents, were spotted riding e-scooters with two young children standing in front of them—none of the children wore helmets.
A bystander shared a photo of the family on social media, asking: ‘Is this legal?’ and pointing out: ‘Adults have helmets on in case they fall off, but the two small children standing on the front have no helmets?’
Queensland Police confirmed this behaviour violated multiple e-scooter regulations.
‘Children under 12 are not permitted to ride, everyone must wear a helmet, and there must only be one person on each device,’ a police spokeswoman said.
E-scooters are classified as personal mobility devices (PMDs) in Queensland and are governed by strict safety laws.
Queensland Government regulations state that e-scooters are designed for single riders only, and carrying passengers—even small children—is illegal and carries a $161 fine.
All riders must wear a properly fastened helmet, with the same penalty for non-compliance.
Riders must also be at least 16 years old, which, if breached, attracts another $161 fine.
Combined, these breaches could total $483 in fines.
More serious offences, including reckless or dangerous riding such as carrying children or failing to wear helmets, may result in fines up to $1,161.
This incident comes amid a recent enforcement crackdown on the Gold Coast, where police issued 25 traffic infringement notices in one day targeting unsafe PMD use.
Seven of those fines related specifically to e-scooters and e-bikes, covering offences like riding without helmets, speeding, using prohibited areas, and allowing children under 10 to ride.
Senior Sergeant Steve Young highlighted a disturbing example where a 10-year-old was caught performing ‘wheelies’ on an e-scooter on a road.
‘His mother was issued a fine after admitting she allowed him to use the device,’ Young said.
‘We know these devices are popular and can be great for getting around—but they’re not toys. They can be dangerous when used incorrectly or without proper safety gear.’
‘Many riders were found to be doing the right thing, and we thank them,’ he added. ‘But for those ignoring the rules, especially when it comes to helmets, speed, and age restrictions, we will continue to take action.’
Safety concerns around e-scooters have intensified as recent research showed a rising number of deaths linked to their use in Australia.
Associate Professor Milad Haghani from the University of Melbourne revealed a troubling trend: ‘We've identified a shocking over-representation of children…the fatalities that involve children, the vast majority of them have occurred in collisions with other vehicles.’
Over the past five years, 30 people have died using e-scooters in Australia, with 11 of those being children.
Queensland recorded the highest toll with 15 fatalities, while Western Australia and Victoria had six each, New South Wales two, and the Australian Capital Territory one.
In a previous story, we explored how e-bikes and e-scooters are sparking strong opinions across NSW.
If you’re curious about why some people either love or hate these new rides, it’s worth a read.
Check out the full story here to get the full picture.
With e-scooters becoming more common on our streets, what do you think needs to change to make them safer for everyone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Yet, recent incidents have raised urgent questions about safety and compliance with the rules designed to protect riders and pedestrians alike.
What appeared to be everyday use has instead highlighted worrying behaviour with potentially serious consequences.
Many Australians have increasingly embraced e-scooters as a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate city streets, avoiding traffic jams and parking difficulties.
However, a concerning incident in Cairns, Queensland, brought attention to dangerous practices involving these devices.
On 26 May, two adults, believed to be parents, were spotted riding e-scooters with two young children standing in front of them—none of the children wore helmets.
Parents fined after kids ride e-scooters helmet-free. Image source: Facebook/J Nelson
A bystander shared a photo of the family on social media, asking: ‘Is this legal?’ and pointing out: ‘Adults have helmets on in case they fall off, but the two small children standing on the front have no helmets?’
Queensland Police confirmed this behaviour violated multiple e-scooter regulations.
‘Children under 12 are not permitted to ride, everyone must wear a helmet, and there must only be one person on each device,’ a police spokeswoman said.
E-scooters are classified as personal mobility devices (PMDs) in Queensland and are governed by strict safety laws.
Queensland Government regulations state that e-scooters are designed for single riders only, and carrying passengers—even small children—is illegal and carries a $161 fine.
All riders must wear a properly fastened helmet, with the same penalty for non-compliance.
Riders must also be at least 16 years old, which, if breached, attracts another $161 fine.
Combined, these breaches could total $483 in fines.
More serious offences, including reckless or dangerous riding such as carrying children or failing to wear helmets, may result in fines up to $1,161.
This incident comes amid a recent enforcement crackdown on the Gold Coast, where police issued 25 traffic infringement notices in one day targeting unsafe PMD use.
Seven of those fines related specifically to e-scooters and e-bikes, covering offences like riding without helmets, speeding, using prohibited areas, and allowing children under 10 to ride.
Senior Sergeant Steve Young highlighted a disturbing example where a 10-year-old was caught performing ‘wheelies’ on an e-scooter on a road.
‘His mother was issued a fine after admitting she allowed him to use the device,’ Young said.
‘We know these devices are popular and can be great for getting around—but they’re not toys. They can be dangerous when used incorrectly or without proper safety gear.’
‘Many riders were found to be doing the right thing, and we thank them,’ he added. ‘But for those ignoring the rules, especially when it comes to helmets, speed, and age restrictions, we will continue to take action.’
Safety concerns around e-scooters have intensified as recent research showed a rising number of deaths linked to their use in Australia.
Associate Professor Milad Haghani from the University of Melbourne revealed a troubling trend: ‘We've identified a shocking over-representation of children…the fatalities that involve children, the vast majority of them have occurred in collisions with other vehicles.’
Over the past five years, 30 people have died using e-scooters in Australia, with 11 of those being children.
Queensland recorded the highest toll with 15 fatalities, while Western Australia and Victoria had six each, New South Wales two, and the Australian Capital Territory one.
In a previous story, we explored how e-bikes and e-scooters are sparking strong opinions across NSW.
If you’re curious about why some people either love or hate these new rides, it’s worth a read.
Check out the full story here to get the full picture.
With e-scooters becoming more common on our streets, what do you think needs to change to make them safer for everyone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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