Many local kids, and even adults, are either unaware of NSW laws governing the use of e-scooters or simply ignoring them in the chase for fun and fancy travel.
Sergeant Steve Marshall of Corowa Police has his hands full managing the local e-scooter situation while trying not to be the “fun police”.
“I keep a close eye on the local social pages,” Sgt Marshall said.
“I've noticed several people complaining about them being on the main street where riders have been on the footpath.
“It’s not safe, you’re endangering the public, and it’s simply illegal.”
NSW law prohibits the use of e-scooters on public roads and footpaths.
According to nsw.gov.au, there have been trials using e-scooters in Albury and Wollongong, with plans to regulate them in the future, but for now they remain prohibited.
“They're what you call an unregistrable motor vehicle,” Sgt Marshall said.
“Because their primary motor power is an electric engine, they can't be anywhere but on private property.”
A local fire fighter recently spotted two teenagers crossing John Foord Bridge on a larger style e-scooter.
“There was one boy riding it, doubling his mate on the back, on the actual roadway,” Sgt Marshall said.
“That brings to mind a couple of offenses.
“Because it's an unregistrable vehicle, the rider can be given infringement notices for riding unregistered, uninsured, and unlicensed, which gets the fine to around $2,000.
“Then you’ve got the second rider on the back, and all of a sudden, with each individual offence worth around $800, you’ve got over $3,000 in fines.”
Sgt Marshall believes the best solution is through firm but positive interactions that teach the laws rather than just fining everyone and creating resentment, but admits that it can be a frustrating battle.
“I try to do it through education,” he said.
“New South Wales Police spend time trying to create a positive presence through social engagement to try and make themselves be the good guys.
“Then to tell all these kids, who have probably got these goodies for Christmas, that they can’t use them - straight away we’re the bad guys.
“The simple fact is they're illegal; that may change, but it hasn't at the moment.”
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