RACV has urged parents to check e-scooter and e-bike laws with the return of more than a million Victorian students to school last week.
Although children may have received these items as Christmas gifts, RACV head of policy James Williams said, some parents may not understand the legal restrictions or safety risks.
“Electric bikes and electric scooters are not toys. E-scooters are actually illegal for children under 16 to use on Victorian roads and footpaths and they are very dangerous for both riders and pedestrians given they can travel at speeds of up to 25kmh.”
RACV is presently funding Victoria-wide research into e-scooter injuries to better understand crash causation and risk factors, with research anticipated to be published by late 2026.
Information will be collected from six sites across Victoria including the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Ambulance Victoria, the Alfred Hospital, the Royal Children’s Hospital, Grampians Health Ballarat and St Vincent’s Hospital and is intended to develop a detailed understanding of the epidemiological factors of e-scooter riders and the influence of these factors on e-scooter injuries.
“This research will help us determine if there are predictive factors that can be eliminated or reduced to make e-scooters safer for riders, pedestrians and other road users,” Williams said.
The return to school also serves as an important reminder for all road users to be alert around school zones as children walk, ride and travel to school.
According to the Transport Accident Commission, about nine children under the age of 16 are killed and close to 200 are injured each year on Victorian roads.
“School zones are crucial areas where road safety must always be top of mind. Children are at risk around roads because they are less visible and have a reduced ability to judge time, speed and distance,” Mr Williams said.
Safety reminders for drivers during school pick-up and drop-offs:
Be patient and exercise caution when driving through school zones
School speed zones are usually 40kmh (or 60kmh where regular limits are 80kmh or more)
Stop for pedestrians at children’s crossings when orange flags are displayed and ensure your children use all available crossings
Keep mobile devices out of reach while driving
Park a few blocks away to reduce congestion and encourage active travel, and
Don’t idle while waiting, as engine fumes can be detrimental to children’s health.
Williams said families using e-bikes for school commutes should also ensure they are prepared for breakdowns or emergencies.
“Some parents and older children may choose to commute using e-bikes but it’s important to have backup support if choosing active transport options for your family.”
For more information, head to police.vic.gov.au/electric-powered-scooters-e-scooters and police.vic.gov.au/e-bike-safety#road-rules-for-e-bike-riders
