Landmark review into WA's e-rideable laws will not result in immediate change

A landmark review of laws governing e-scooters and e-bikes in Western Australia will not result in any immediate change, with the state government instead urging the Commonwealth to take action first.

The parliamentary inquiry was triggered by the death of Perth father Thanh Phan, who was run down by a drunk e-scooter rider in May last year.

It was expanded when a 59-year-old woman died after being hit by an electric off-road motorbike in July. 

The state government has said it would fully support, or support in principle, all but one of the review's 33 recommendations — including punishing retailers who help people illegally modify the e-rideables. 

However, that is not expected to result in any imminent changes to the state's law.

Onus placed on Commonwealth

Instead, the government yesterday wrote to Federal Transport Minister Catherine King to ask the Commonwealth for "immediate and tangible action" to address illegal e-rideables.

It said that should include stronger action at the border to crack down on the importation of overpowered and illegal devices.

It also called for nationally consistent rules, like a requirement for anti-tampering measures to stop people bypassing speed limiters, to "provide a clear basis for distinguishing compliant and non-compliant devices".

But part of that will rely on work being carried out by WA to create nationwide rules for the supply and use of e-rideables.

Key changes delayed

The government has backed other recommendations, including developing minimum safety rules for e-scooters for hire, but it is unclear when they will be implemented.

Assistant Transport Minister Jessica Stojkovski said 12 people had lost their lives on WA roads and footpaths due to e-rideable accidents since 2022.

She said a local education ampaign was underway, but called for the federal government to take a bigger role in the matter.

"We're calling on the federal government to act in this space to work with us and collaborate with us … because as we know, the federal government controls the import and classifications of e-rideables," Ms Stojkovski said.

"Without stronger national action, these dangerous devices will continue to come into our market not just for Western Australia, but for every jurisdiction in the country."

Police minister talking tough

Police Minister Reece Whitby had "a simple message" for WA's "e-scooter and e-bike hoons".

"If you break the law, we will seize you e-rideable, and we will crush it. We will crush it to smithereens," he said.

"If you're about illegally modifying your device, or riding recklessly, or putting lives at risk, or speeding, we will take your device and turn it into scrap metal."

On January 5, WA Police began Operation Moorhead, which used drones to target what they said was a notable increase in e-rideable hoon behaviour, mostly in Perth's north.

Mr Whitby said the operation resulted in the seizure of 76 illegal e-rideables and the charging of 76 offenders, 61 of whom were juveniles.

"Now, Operation Moorhead will be rolled out across the state, as required," he said.