Study shows two-thirds of e-scooter users in Canberra break the law

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Two thirds of people in our nation's capital are using e-scooters illegally, according to a study by researchers at the University of Canberra. They're recommending the ACT government address scooter safety before considering adding another provider to the market.

Transcript

00:00They've been a familiar sight on Canberra's footpaths since 2020.

00:07For some, their ride home. For others, a canvas.

00:12Sometimes it can just be that I'm running late for something, there's a scooter nearby

00:15and that gives me an option where I don't have access to my car.

00:18But University of Canberra researchers have found two in three share scooter users

00:23ride without a helmet.

00:25I tend to use helmets fairly often if they're available, but quite often they're not available

00:29in a situation I accept my fate.

00:31There's obviously some increased level of danger.

00:33I'd be worried about cars if there were tons of cars around me,

00:35but in general I don't think it's deeply unsafe.

00:37Male, private.

00:39The majority of those who were riding a shared e-scooter were not wearing a helmet

00:44and it was also around a third of people who were riding a private e-scooter as well.

00:49Riding without a helmet is against the law in every state,

00:53as is riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol or riding with a mobile phone.

00:58Yet researchers have found many people don't expect to be caught.

01:02It's just not the done thing if you like.

01:05It is not typical to wear a helmet while riding an e-scooter in Canberra.

01:09This idea that it's not cool to be wearing a helmet.

01:12Between January and May this year, ACT police handed out nine infringements and two cautions

01:19to helmetless riders.

01:21It's back of mind but I don't take it too seriously.

01:23Researchers want the ACT government to tackle scooter safety before any new provider is introduced.

01:30I would recommend that if the government were considering another e-scooter provider

01:34that they would work very, very closely with them

01:37and address some of the concerns that we've identified in our report.

01:41The government says providers are obliged to encourage safe use.

01:48Call our

02:06people to take action

02:08and imagine a wicked dentro of the damage

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