E SCOOTERS - WE NEED BETTER LAWS
The issue
The trial of e-scooters in Victoria has failed our community and a reform of its legislative framework is needed.
The Victorian Government have released hundreds of e-scooters onto our public roads without any clear legislative framework, safety program or appropriate registration for the public. The notion of releasing these e-scooters onto our public roads and simply waiting to see the outcome is shocking, particularly where it is clear that major accidents can occur.
The 28-year-old that died as a result of a tragic e-scooter accident is my cousin. Tomorrow, it might be you.
Currently, it is legal to purchase e-scooters but illegal to ride them on public roads.
Currently, it is legal to ride commercial e-scooters in designated areas including shared footpaths but illegal to ride on public roads. Anyone over the age of 18 years can ride e-scooters, including inexperienced riders.
Currently, commercial e-scooter riders are covered by private insurance companies, unless hit by a motor vehicle, the TAC may be liable.
As we approach warmer weather, it is clear we will see an increase in the use of e-scooters. In the past year, over 50 people were admitted into the ICU at the Alfred Hospital as a result of life-threatening injuries sustained from riding an e-scooter, injuries have resulted into death.
The current regulatory framework is messy. The public deserves better. We propose three key reforms:
1. Ban all e-scooters until clear legislation is enacted;
2. All riders must have completed a safety program which focuses on the correct way to wear protective gear, how to overtake, park and clear the footpath for people with disabilities and the elderly safely; and
3. Legalise private e scooters to include registration. In turn, this will provide better insurance options for riders and pedestrians.
There is enough data and models from other jurisdictions that can be relied upon to execute a safe e-mobility program. There are simply no benefits that outweigh human life. Technology must be utilised safely.
We choose safety.
5,906
The issue
The trial of e-scooters in Victoria has failed our community and a reform of its legislative framework is needed.
The Victorian Government have released hundreds of e-scooters onto our public roads without any clear legislative framework, safety program or appropriate registration for the public. The notion of releasing these e-scooters onto our public roads and simply waiting to see the outcome is shocking, particularly where it is clear that major accidents can occur.
The 28-year-old that died as a result of a tragic e-scooter accident is my cousin. Tomorrow, it might be you.
Currently, it is legal to purchase e-scooters but illegal to ride them on public roads.
Currently, it is legal to ride commercial e-scooters in designated areas including shared footpaths but illegal to ride on public roads. Anyone over the age of 18 years can ride e-scooters, including inexperienced riders.
Currently, commercial e-scooter riders are covered by private insurance companies, unless hit by a motor vehicle, the TAC may be liable.
As we approach warmer weather, it is clear we will see an increase in the use of e-scooters. In the past year, over 50 people were admitted into the ICU at the Alfred Hospital as a result of life-threatening injuries sustained from riding an e-scooter, injuries have resulted into death.
The current regulatory framework is messy. The public deserves better. We propose three key reforms:
1. Ban all e-scooters until clear legislation is enacted;
2. All riders must have completed a safety program which focuses on the correct way to wear protective gear, how to overtake, park and clear the footpath for people with disabilities and the elderly safely; and
3. Legalise private e scooters to include registration. In turn, this will provide better insurance options for riders and pedestrians.
There is enough data and models from other jurisdictions that can be relied upon to execute a safe e-mobility program. There are simply no benefits that outweigh human life. Technology must be utilised safely.
We choose safety.
Supporter voices
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Petition created on 11 October 2022