Don’t let this Christmas gift land you in the ER
Despite these dangers, many parents in the leadup to Christmas will hear the familiar chorus, “but all my friends at school have one!”.
It’s a tough conversation to navigate, and you may not have all the facts about these high-powered illegal e-mobility devices. If this sounds like your household, here’s what you need to know to keep your child safe and out of the emergency room.
A clear warning
RACQ is urging parents to steer clear of illegal e-mobility devices that are flooding the market and our footpaths.
RACQ’s Head of Public Policy Dr Michael Kane said these devices are more than just toys – they are unregulated motor vehicles.
“If you don’t need to pedal and it can exceed 25km/h, it’s an e-motorbike and a disaster waiting to happen,” Dr Kane said.
Illegal e-scooters pose similar dangers.
According to the Jamieson Trauma Institute, more than 1,200 people, in the past year alone, have been treated in Queensland emergency departments after e-scooter crashes.
Most of these cases involved head trauma, and many of the injured were children.
How to spot an illegal e-mobility device this Christmas
- Marketed with top speed over 25km/h? That’s a red flag.
- No pedals? It’s not a legal e-bike.
- Labelled 'for private property use only'? That’s code for 'not safe or legal for public places.'
The bottom line
Dr Kane’s advice is clear.
“Do not risk your child’s life. If it’s not legal, it’s not safe - and it’s not worth the heartbreak,” he said.
This Christmas, choose safety over speed. Make informed decisions to keep your family safe and ensure the holidays are memorable for all the right reasons.
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