WA Police commissioner calls for high-speed e-scooter import ban after pedestrian’s death
Western Australia’s top police officer has called for a ban on the import of high-powered electric scooters following the death of a Perth father who was struck by one of the vehicles.
Police Commissioner Col Blanch made the comments during a parliamentary committee hearing on Wednesday, convened after the death of Thanh Phan, who was hit from behind by an e-scooter in Perth’s CBD on May 31 and died three days later.
Perth has suspended e-scooter hire after 51-year-old pedestrian Thanh Phan was killed on May 31.
British backpacker Alicia Kemp has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and dangerous driving occasioning bodily harm, both while under the influence of alcohol. Kemp has not entered a plea and has been refused bail. She will reappear in court next week.
In WA, e-rideables – such as electric scooters and skateboards – are legally allowed to travel up to 10km/h on footpaths and 25km/h on bike paths and shared paths.
But Blanch warned many devices were being imported or modified to travel at far greater speeds, making it difficult for the public to distinguish between models.
While such scooters are sold legally for use on private property, they are increasingly being used in public.
“We’re seeing a lot of upper limb, facial, head and neck trauma – the same injuries we see in car crashes or falls from height.”
Royal Perth Hospital head of service Professor Dieter Weber
“The classification of an e-rider has certain restrictions under law – you should only be able to import those,” he said.
“I don’t think young people should be able to walk in and purchase these faster vehicles, as they can now. Most of the issues involve people riding modified scooters on roads – and that’s where we see the greatest harm.
“We must prioritise the safety of our pedestrians.”
Blanch said most infringements issued by police related to riders not wearing helmets, riding while intoxicated, or driving non-compliant vehicles.
Royal Perth Hospital head of service Professor Dieter Weber said there had been an “exponential increase” in e-rideable-related injuries since 2017.
“It’s now part of my daily practice,” he said.
“We’re seeing a lot of upper limb, facial, head and neck trauma – the same injuries we see in car crashes or falls from height.”
Although helmets are mandatory for e-rideables in WA, the committee heard the rule was often not followed.
Weber also outlined difficulties in collecting detailed hospital data, particularly for so-called “minor” injuries of pedestrians or riders, like concussions and broken arms, which can still lead to high costs for victims due to time off work and rehabilitation.
Professor Stephen Dunjey, from the State Trauma Service, said there was no difference in the injuries sustained by someone who fell from an e-rideable or a motorcycle travelling at 70km/h.
The inquiry – announced by Police and Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby in June – will consider potential restrictions on the devices such as nighttime curfews in entertainment precincts.
The Community Development and Justice Standing Committee will also hear evidence from the Road Safety Commission on Wednesday. The committee will consider new penalties for illegal e-rideable use and provide policy recommendations.
A report from the inquiry is expected to be tabled in October.
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