WA Inquiry Exposes E-Rideable Dangers: Calls for National Reform Amid Injury Surge

Western Australia's parliamentary inquiry into eRideables has exposed a concerning trend of increasing injuries and fatalities, prompting urgent calls for national reform. The Community Development and Justice Standing Committee's report, titled "Inquiry into the safety, regulation and penalties associated with the use of eRideables," underscores the critical need for improved regulation and public education to address the growing risks associated with these devices.

E-Rideable Accidents: A Rising Tide

The inquiry paints a stark picture of the current state of eRideable safety in WA. While specific numbers aren't detailed in the committee report itself, the document highlights the overall trend of "increasing injuries and fatalities." This aligns with anecdotal evidence and reports from emergency services across the state. The ambiguity around data collection is itself a problem, as the report indicates "data collection limitations," suggesting a need for more robust tracking of eRideable-related incidents. Without accurate data, it becomes difficult to effectively analyse the root causes of accidents and develop targeted safety measures. The report advocates for a standardised national approach to data collection to address this gap.

Regulatory Gaps and Public Confusion

One of the key findings of the inquiry is the inadequacy of existing regulations surrounding eRideables. The report emphasises the "need for improved regulation" to ensure the safety of both riders and pedestrians. Current regulations vary significantly across different local government areas in WA, creating confusion and making enforcement challenging. This patchwork approach is deemed insufficient to address the widespread use of eRideables. A consistent, state-wide, and potentially national framework is required to provide clear guidelines on issues such as speed limits, helmet use, and permitted riding locations. Furthermore, the inquiry recognises the importance of "public education" in promoting safe eRideable use. Many riders are unaware of the rules and regulations, leading to unintentional violations and potentially dangerous behaviour. Targeted education campaigns are needed to raise awareness of safety risks and responsible riding practices.

Recommendations for National Reform

Recognising the limitations of state-based solutions, the inquiry "recommends national-level reform" to address the eRideable safety issue comprehensively. This includes advocating for a national framework for regulating eRideables, potentially through collaboration with other states and territories. A national approach would ensure consistency in regulations, data collection, and public education efforts, making it easier to manage the risks associated with these devices. The report also calls for a review of WA's existing regulations to ensure they are aligned with national best practices and are effective in promoting safety. This review should consider issues such as the classification of different types of eRideables, the licensing and registration of riders, and the enforcement of regulations.

Examining Recent Legislation and Gazetted Notices

While the eRideable inquiry focuses on long-term reform, recent activity in the WA Government Gazette highlights ongoing efforts to manage safety and regulation across various sectors. For instance, numerous "Total Fire Ban" notices have been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in recent weeks, demonstrating the government's commitment to public safety during periods of high fire risk. These notices, such as the one issued on December 30, 2020, for Carnamah, Coorow, and Dandaragan, are crucial for preventing bushfires and protecting communities. Similarly, amendments to regulations, such as the "Police Force Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2020," indicate a continuous effort to refine and update existing laws to address emerging challenges. Although not directly related to eRideables, these examples illustrate the government's proactive approach to safety and regulation in other areas. Similarly, the recent introduction of the "Road Traffic Amendment (Disqualification Notices) Bill 2026" in the Legislative Assembly on February 25, 2026, demonstrates an effort to enhance road safety by expanding disqualification notice provisions for dangerous drivers.

The Path Forward: Prioritising Safety and Regulation

The WA parliamentary inquiry into eRideables has provided a valuable assessment of the current safety landscape and has outlined a clear path forward. By highlighting the increasing injuries and fatalities, the report has raised awareness of the urgent need for action. The recommendations for national reform and a review of WA's existing regulations provide a framework for improving safety and promoting responsible eRideable use. It is now up to the government to act on these recommendations and implement effective measures to protect the community. The recent disallowance recommendation by the Delegated Legislation Committee for the Shire of Pingelly's 'Save the Numbats Local Law 2025' due to inconsistencies with the Cat Act 2011, as detailed in the committee's report, underscores the importance of ensuring that local laws are consistent with state legislation. This principle should also apply to eRideable regulations, ensuring a cohesive and effective approach across the state.

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