Queenslanders are swapping four wheels for two to help ease cost-of-living pressures

The study of e-scooter users in Queensland found 43% of riders listed saving money as the reason for using an e-scooter, up from 11% the previous year.

Avoiding congestion was another key reason commuters were switching to two wheels with 38% of survey respondents saying they prefer e-scooters over driving and public transport.

RACQ Principal Technical Researcher Andrew Kirk said the results proved Queenslanders were embracing the benefits of using other forms of transport in their day-to-day commute.

“With rising interest rates and record high fuel prices, it’s no surprise Queenslanders are subbing out driving for e-scooters as well as other types of active transport,” Mr Kirk said.

“As we start to see more bike paths and better infrastructure built across the State, active transport is fast becoming a convenient and easy way to get around.

“Our survey revealed a 37% increase in private e-scooter ownership from 2022 and 73% of riders say they use them at least weekly.

“This suggests Queenslanders are not only seeing the cost benefits but also the time-saving benefits of riding around our cities.”

Mr Kirk also said while e-scooter usage is growing in Queensland, riders need to make sure they know how to ride them correctly and safely.

“Forty two percent of respondents admitted to breaking the rules while riding. The top offences were doubling and riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said.

“We’re still seeing extremely high numbers of presentations to emergency departments for e-scooter injuries, which reiterates the need for people to wear protective clothing and helmets and understand the road rules.”

RACQ and the RBWH Foundation have donated $200,000 to the Jamieson Trauma Institute to fund research into e-scooter injuries. The results will be used to shape policy and improve rider safety.