Perth Suspends E-Scooter Rentals After Fatal Crash in CBD

The decision comes after Western Australia’s first pedestrian death by e-scooter collision on May 31.

A woman grabs an electric scooter for hire in Perth, Western Australia, on March 18, 2024. Susan Mortimer/The Epoch Times

The City of Perth has suspended all e-scooter hire services following the death of a 51-year-old man who was struck by one of the devices on May 31.

The incident, which occurred at the busy intersection of Murray and King Streets in the CBD, marks Western Australia’s first recorded pedestrian fatality involving a rented e-scooter.

As per reports, the man had been dining in the city when he was hit by an e-scooter allegedly ridden by a 25 year old  UK tourist.

He later died in hospital.

The lady has since been charged with dangerous driving causing death while under the influence of alcohol.

Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds confirmed that e-scooter rentals were paused from midday June 3, calling it an “appropriate” step given the circumstances.

“This is ultimately a human tragedy, and it’s terrible,” Reynolds told ABC Perth. “The pause is necessary until we understand more about what occurred.”

Premier Roger Cook echoed those sentiments, saying the city council had acted responsibly in suspending the service.

“I think it’s a perfectly appropriate response to a dreadful situation and a horrible tragedy,” he also told ABC Perth.

“We have to make sure that it’s safe, and I think the council is moving in an absolutely appropriate way. We know alcohol has no role to play when it comes to safety on our roads and in our streets,” Cook added.

Emergency services arrived quickly at the crash scene, but the man later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. The lady sustained minor injuries in the crash, while her 26-year-old male passenger was also hospitalised but is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.

The Major Crime Division is leading the investigation and has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Spike in E-Scooter Incidents Fuels Policy Debate

The fatality has spurred further debate about e-scooter safety, which have become ubiquitous in urban Australia’s major cities.

A Royal Melbourne Hospital study found 256 injuries linked to e-scooters in the 12 months ending January 2023, with nine involving pedestrians. The total cost of related hospitalisations was estimated at nearly $2 million.

In Queensland, emergency room presentations from e-scooter incidents more than tripled between 2019 and 2022, reaching 801 by late 2023.

The New South Wales government this week announced new restrictions, including speed caps of 10 to 20km/h on shared paths, and a 20km/h limit on 50km/h roads. Riders must also be aged 16 or over.

But Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison admitted enforcement would be difficult with limited resources.

“It’s a known difficulty,” she said.

Notably, the new rules will not apply to e-bikes.