The Western Australian government is set to broaden its investigation into the safety of e-rideables to include electric dirt bikes, following the tragic death of a 59-year-old woman in Perth. The incident occurred at Picnic Cove Park in Edgewater, where the woman was fatally injured in a collision with a high-powered electric motorcycle on Saturday.
A 17-year-old boy has since been charged with manslaughter, driving without a license, and using an unlicensed vehicle on a road in connection with the woman’s death. This development comes as a state parliamentary committee is already examining the safety, regulation, and penalties related to electric-powered personal mobility devices, commonly referred to as e-rideables.
Expanding the Inquiry
In Western Australia, e-rideables are defined as devices weighing 25 kilograms or less and having a speed limit of 25 kph on level ground. The electric dirt bike involved in the crash does not fit this definition, prompting Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby to call for an expanded scope of the inquiry.
“It was a dirt bike in appearance but was an e-bike. And so I think it is appropriate that the committee of parliament also looks at suggestions that we can make these vehicles safer,” Whitby stated. He emphasized that the vehicle should not have been in a suburban park, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
The review is also considering the usage and policing of e-rideables in entertainment precincts and other heavily trafficked pedestrian areas. Ahead of any recommendations from the inquiry, Minister Whitby has proposed ideas to limit the use of e-rideables in built-up areas, such as technology that can automatically control the speed of e-scooters on footpaths.
Recent Tragedies Highlight Safety Concerns
The death in Edgewater is not an isolated incident involving battery-powered vehicles this year. In June, 51-year-old Thanh Phan became the first pedestrian to die after being struck by an e-scooter in Western Australia. Following this incident, Phan’s family called for a comprehensive review of the governance and safety regulations concerning hired e-scooters.
In response, the City of Perth temporarily suspended the hiring of e-scooters. Royal Perth Hospital’s head of trauma services, Dieter Weber, noted that his team sees serious injuries from e-scooter incidents “daily,” underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures.
“There are too many fatalities and now too many incidents with these forms of transportation,” said WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas. “Safety has to be the top priority.”
Zempilas stressed the importance of including e-bikes in the parliamentary inquiry, acknowledging the usefulness of accessible transportation methods but not at the expense of public safety.
Implications and Future Steps
The expansion of the inquiry represents a significant step in addressing the rising concerns over e-rideables. As the investigation progresses, it is expected to provide recommendations that could lead to stricter regulations and improved safety standards for these vehicles.
Meanwhile, the community awaits the outcomes of the inquiry, hoping for measures that will prevent further tragedies and ensure the safe integration of e-rideables into urban environments. The government’s proactive approach could set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar safety challenges.
As the state continues to grapple with the implications of new transportation technologies, the focus remains on balancing innovation with the safety and well-being of all road users.
