Key Takeaways:
- A 37-year-old man has died in an e-scooter accident in Geraldton, Western Australia
- The man was riding a rental e-scooter on a footpath when he lost control and fell
- Police are urging witnesses to come forward with any footage or information
- The accident has raised concerns about the safety of e-scooters, particularly with a rise in their use in Geraldton
- New regulations are expected to be implemented following a state government inquiry into e-scooter safety
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic accident occurred in the Midwest city of Geraldton, Western Australia, where a 37-year-old man lost his life after an e-scooter accident. The incident happened overnight, with the man riding a rental e-scooter along the footpath next to Brand Highway, near the intersection of Glendinning Road in Tarcoola Beach. According to police, the man lost control of the e-scooter at 12:10am and fell, resulting in his death at the scene. The police are now urging anyone who witnessed the man riding before the incident, or has any dash-cam, CCTV, or mobile phone footage, to contact Crime Stoppers to aid in their investigation.
Reaction from Local Authorities
The City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Jerry Clune, expressed his condolences and described the accident as a "terrible tragedy." He stated that the news was particularly devastating during the Christmas festive season and that the city’s thoughts are with the man’s loved ones. Mayor Clune also acknowledged the growing concern about e-scooter safety, noting that the number of e-scooters being used in Geraldton has increased significantly in recent years. He emphasized that some e-scooters can be extremely fast and pose a danger to riders and pedestrians.
Rise in E-Scooter Use
The rise in e-scooter use in Geraldton has been rapid, with Mayor Clune stating that it has "just grown so quickly." This growth has led to concerns about safety, particularly with the speed and power of some e-scooters. The accident has highlighted the need for regulations to ensure the safety of riders and pedestrians. Mayor Clune expects new regulations to be implemented following a state government inquiry, which made 33 recommendations to improve e-scooter safety. The inquiry’s findings and recommendations are expected to address the concerns surrounding e-scooter use and provide a safer environment for everyone.
Previous Incidents and Regulations
In June, the City of Greater Geraldton decided not to suspend hireable e-scooters, despite a proposal to do so following a fatal collision involving a pedestrian and an e-scooter in Perth earlier this year. However, in response to the growing concerns, the state government has announced that children under the age of 16 will be banned from using and storing e-rideables at all WA public schools starting from term one next year. This move is part of a broader effort to regulate e-scooter use and improve safety. The ban on e-rideables in schools is a step towards addressing the risks associated with e-scooter use, particularly among young people.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The tragic accident in Geraldton serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety when it comes to e-scooter use. As the number of e-scooters on the roads continues to grow, it is essential that regulations and safety measures are put in place to protect riders and pedestrians. The state government’s inquiry and subsequent recommendations are a step in the right direction, and it is expected that new regulations will be implemented to address the concerns surrounding e-scooter safety. By working together, we can create a safer environment for everyone and prevent such tragic accidents from occurring in the future.
