General News
10 March, 2026
Police concerns over e-scooters around schools
WITH the school year in full swing, Ararat Police have raised concerns around the growing use, and misuse, of e-bikes and e-scooters around Ararat’s school precincts.
Acting Sergeant Nick Sorich said local officers had received multiple reports from concerned residents about traffic issues during peak school times.
“Ararat Police have been contacted by concerned residents regarding increasing traffic issues around school times. The consistent observations predominantly include, vehicles committing traffic offences, school students (and other members of public) riding dangerously with use of e-bikes and e-scooters in and around the school precinct,” he said.
“Police hold significant concerns for the safety of not only the e-scooter/e-bike riders, but other children and the community. There have been multiple observations of e-scooter/e-bike riders speeding along footpaths, riding in and out of traffic, the age of the rider, “dinking” (having 2 persons on the scooter) and not wearing a helmet.”
Acting Sergeant Sorich said many teenagers may have received e-bikes or e-scooters as gifts, and families might not be aware of the legal requirements that come with owning and riding them.
“It is appreciated that many teenagers may have received e-bikes etc as gifts over the Christmas/New Year period. Parents and children may not be aware of the legal requirements that comes with owning these devices,” he said.
Under Victorian road rules, e-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old, wear a helmet at all times, obey traffic laws and must not exceed 20km/h.
Riders are required to use shared-use paths or bicycle paths and cannot ride on footpaths. High-speed scooters capable of travelling more than 25km/h are not permitted, and e-scooters cannot be ridden on roads with a speed limit above 60km/h. “We ask that all parents have a discussion with their children who have e-scooters or e-bikes and ensure they are fully aware of their requirements,” Acting Sergeant Sorich said.
“Throughout the country, emergency services and hospitals are seeing a significant increase to serious injuries caused by dangerous e-scooter and e-bike riders.”
He confirmed Ararat Police would be increasing patrols in school areas.
“Ararat Police will be actively patrolling and enforcing any traffic offences committed,” he said.
Penalties apply for breaches, including a $305 fine for riding under the age of 16 or riding on a footpath, and a $407 fine for failing to wear a helmet.
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