We now have seen loads of eScooter accidents through the years, however a current incident involving two brothers at Cape Paterson is among the most sobering reminders of why security laws exist. Victoria Police are at present coping with the fallout of a high-speed collision that has left two younger males with life-altering accidents and a parked automotive utterly written off.
The crash occurred on Sunday, the 18th of January 2026, when a 22-year-old and his 17-year-old brother from Kew have been allegedly travelling nicely above the authorized velocity restrict. Using collectively on a single, unregistered eScooter, the pair slammed into the rear of a stationary automobile on Surf Seaside Street.
The terrifying actuality of unlawful speeds
In accordance with a report from Bass Coast Police, the affect was so extreme that the parked automotive was deemed a complete loss. Extra importantly, the bodily toll on the 2 riders was catastrophic, with police describing the scene as too graphic to element.
Preliminary police inspections of the eScooter counsel it was travelling at roughly 56km/h on the time of affect. In Victoria, the authorized velocity restrict for an eScooter is capped at 20km/h, that means these riders have been doing almost triple the allowed velocity.
Much more alarming is the {hardware} concerned on this incident. Whereas it was being ridden at 56km/h, additional investigation revealed the eScooter had the engineering capability to achieve a staggering 99km/h.
An absence of fundamental security gear
If you find yourself travelling at these sorts of speeds, the margin for error is non-existent. Making issues considerably worse was the truth that neither the rider nor the passenger was sporting a helmet or any type of protecting clothes.
The 22-year-old was transported to Frankston Hospital for therapy, whereas the 17-year-old was taken to Wonthaggi Hospital. Police have indicated that the accidents sustained may have a everlasting affect on their lives, a excessive worth to pay for a second of recklessness.
Bass Coast Police didn’t maintain again of their evaluation of the state of affairs on social media. They expressed frustration on the continued use of high-powered, unlawful units that pose a danger to each the riders and most of the people.
“The affect triggered important harm to the parked automotive, and likewise to their our bodies. The injures which they sustained are too graphic to explain, however might be life altering. The automotive was written off, as have been virtually the lives of the brothers.”
Bass Coast Police, Victoria Police.
Fines and authorized penalties
Following the incident, the 22-year-old rider is going through a number of infringement notices. These embrace failing to put on an accepted bicycle helmet, exceeding the 20km/h velocity restrict, and carrying a passenger on the machine.
The 17-year-old passenger has additionally been issued an infringement discover for failing to put on a securely fitted accepted bicycle helmet. These fines are possible the least of their worries given the severity of the medical restoration forward of them.
Police have issued a stern warning to folks throughout the Bass Coast and South Gippsland areas. They’re urging households to examine any eScooters being utilized by youngsters to make sure they meet Australian authorized necessities.
Not an remoted incident
Whereas the crash was being managed by emergency providers, one other incident occurred close by that highlighted the continued points police face with micromobility. A 16-year-old male from Cape Paterson was noticed driving an eBike within the neighborhood of the crash web site whereas paramedics have been working.
{The teenager} was allegedly performing wheelies, or ‘monos’, and was not sporting a helmet. This distraction was the very last thing the officers wanted whereas attending to a serious trauma scene, and the rider was subsequently issued a number of infringement notices.
“We’re sick and bored with coping with these unlawful automobiles, and we are going to take motion in opposition to any offending, and this consists of unlawful automobiles that are being utilized by youngsters and youngsters.”
Bass Coast Police, Victoria Police.
Understanding the legal guidelines in Victoria
It is crucial for all Australians to grasp that simply because you should buy a high-powered eScooter on-line doesn’t imply it’s authorized to journey on public infrastructure. In Victoria, eScooters have to be restricted to 20km/h, can not carry passengers, and riders have to be at the very least 16 years of age.
Personal eScooters that exceed these specs or have the capability for excessive speeds are categorised as unregistered motor automobiles. Utilizing them on roads or footpaths can result in important fines, or worse, the form of tragedy we noticed this weekend.
In case you are seeking to buy an eScooter, guarantee it’s from a good native retailer that adheres to the 250W energy restrict and 20km/h velocity cap. The rest is a chance along with your checking account and your life.
For extra data, head to https://www.police.vic.gov.au/electric-powered-scooters-e-scooters
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