As a dedicated pediatrician with extensive hospital experience, I have seen countless children endure preventable injuries from riding e-mobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, on public roads. This alarming trend has seen a surge in hospital admissions for children under the age of 16, with some injuries being not only life-threatening but tragically fatal.

Children at this critical developmental stage have a biological predisposition toward risk-taking behaviors and lack the necessary cognitive development to fully comprehend road safety. Data from Queensland’s Injury Surveillance Unit show that children under 16 now account for about 25% of e-scooter-related emergency department presentations. Furthermore, the World Health Organization reports that road traffic incidents are a leading cause of death for children and adolescents globally.

To protect our children and ensure their safety, we must call for legislative changes that prohibit children under the age of 16 from riding e-mobility devices on public roads. By instituting clear age restrictions, we can significantly decrease the number of these preventable accidents and foster a culture that prioritizes safety.

We also urge for increased investment in public awareness campaigns about the dangers associated with e-mobility devices. Schools should integrate e-mobility safety in their curriculums, equipping children with essential knowledge to navigate these devices safely off public roads.

Legislators and policymakers have a pivotal role to play here. By implementing and enforcing these crucial age restrictions, and by prioritizing education and awareness, we can create safer environments for our children. Join us in our mission to halt this worrisome trend and to prevent future tragedies.

Please sign this petition to urge our lawmakers to take immediate action to protect our children from the dangers of e-mobility devices on public roads. Your support can be the catalyst for change needed to safeguard our children's future.

We call on the Queensland state government to introduce and enforce stricter laws that ban children under the age of 16 from riding e-mobility devices on public roads. These devices can still be used safely in controlled environments, but public roads are not suitable for young riders who do not yet have the maturity or experience to navigate traffic safely.