E-micromobility, encompassing electric-powered vehicles like e-scooters, e-bikes, and Segways, has surged in popularity in Australia. This surge stems from the demand for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, especially in urban areas. However, alongside their eco-friendly advantages, these vehicles have raised safety concerns due to a notable increase in injuries and fatalities among riders, passengers, and pedestrians.
The introduction of e-scooters in Australia commenced in 2018 with public hire schemes in Brisbane by companies like Lime, followed by expansions from other companies such as Beam and Neuron across various Australian cities. The rapid adoption of e-scooters is evident, with 3.6 million Australians utilizing them in 2022, constituting a significant portion of the e-micromobility market. Cities like Brisbane, Canberra, and parts of Western Australia have embraced e-scooters, while some places like Melbourne have imposed bans on rental e-scooters.
Moreover, the economic impact of e-scooters in Australia is substantial, contributing $728 million to the economy in 2022. This includes direct spending on rentals and purchases, as well as indirect benefits like increased local business patronage. However, the regulatory landscape for e-mobility devices varies across Australian states, leading to inconsistencies in rules on speed limits, age restrictions, and designated riding areas.
While e-micromobility offers numerous advantages, it also poses significant safety challenges. The rise in e-scooter usage has coincided with a surge in related injuries, straining healthcare systems. According to Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, there were 14 e-micromobility-related deaths reported in Australia from 2016 to 2020, with a high percentage linked to e-bikes. Additionally, there were 2778 emergency department presentations for e-micromobility injuries in Victoria between 2017-18 and 2022-23, with fractures being the most common type of injury.
The report highlighted that injuries from e-scooters and e-bikes were more prevalent among males, particularly in the 15 to 24 age group. Fractures, especially in the wrist, hand, or forearm, were common, emphasizing the need for helmet-wearing to prevent head injuries. Alcohol involvement in e-scooter accidents was flagged as a major concern, with recommendations made to enhance safety through infrastructure development, community education, and increased police enforcement of regulations.
Professor Janneke Berecki-Gisolf emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring of e-micromobility-related injuries and the impacts of regulatory changes to enhance safety and prevent future incidents. Addressing the rise in e-scooter and e-bike injuries requires a multifaceted approach, including infrastructure enhancements, community awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement of regulations to ensure the safe integration of e-micromobility into daily commuting and recreational activities.
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