An inquiry examining the safety and regulation of e-scooters in Western Australia has been established following the recent death of a pedestrian in Perth’s CBD.
Among other propositions, the cross-party inquiry will consider night-time curfews and footpath bans. Tougher penalties for dangerous riding will also be explored as will a review of the regulatory framework that governs shared e-scooter schemes.
Data will be made available so that the inquiry can examine trends and patterns related to injuries and accidents. The inquiry will also consider how technology could be used to prevent accidents from happening.
Thanh Phan died last month after allegedly being hit from behind by someone riding a hired e-scooter while intoxicated. While Thanh was the first pedestrian to die as a result of an e-mobility accident, his death was the fourth fatality in WA involving an e-rideable device since the start of the year.
“I am very concerned about the safety of e-riders and pedestrians on Perth’s paths and roads, and that is why we’ve chosen to take a bipartisan approach on this important matter,” Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said.
Thanh’s death not only sparked an inquiry – which will deliver its report to parliament by the end of September – but also led to the City of Perth temporarily suspending the hiring of e-scooters and a police enforcement crackdown.
Under WA law, e-scooters are limited to travelling at 10km/h on footpaths and 25km/h on roads. Helmets must be used at all times. Whitby has requested WA’s Road Safety Commission to develop a community awareness campaign.
We have heard the concerns of the community.
A similar e-mobility safety inquiry was launched in Queensland in May. As in WA, the inquiry followed increasing reports of injuries, including fatalities. From 2021 to 2024, injuries involving e-mobility devices more than doubled, with eight lives lost across the state last year alone.
“We have heard the concerns of the community about injuries and fatalities linked to unsafe and illegal e-scooter and e-bike use,” Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said.
Queenslanders can have their say on the future of e-scooter safety, with public submissions to the parliamentary inquiry closing this Friday, 20 June. “We’re calling on Queenslanders to share their views, whether you’re a parent, a commuter, a health expert, or part of the e-mobility industry,” Mickelberg said.
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