Wednesday, 13 May 2026

 Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (18:41): (2516) My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport, and the action I seek is for the minister to introduce measures to keep under-18s safe while riding e-scooters and e-bikes, including education programs for parents and young riders. This issue was raised with me by Helal, a member of my office’s multicultural youth advisory committee, which brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to advise on issues affecting them in their local communities. Helal is an active member of his local community and cares deeply about outcomes for young people. Helal spoke about the increasing number of young people in his community riding e-scooters and e-bikes unsafely, often without understanding the road rules or safety requirements. He has witnessed serious and life-threatening injuries among his peers as a result.

St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne has also reported a 400 per cent increase in e-bike injuries since 2019. The Greens are supportive of innovative ways of creating a bigger, better transport network that includes active options and makes our cities easier to get around. However, this must be carefully balanced with public safety. This could include expansion of separated bike lanes for both bike and e-scooter use. As these forms of transport become more common, the state government has a responsibility to ensure both young people and parents are properly educated about the rules and risks in order to prevent further harm. Minister, please heed the calls for action from our young people for better measures to keep under-18s safe while riding their e-scooters.