AMA (WA) has its say on eRideables
In the wake of another recent tragedy that brought widespread attention to the issue, the AMA (WA) welcomed the opportunity to make a submission to the WA parliamentary ‘Inquiry into the safety, regulation and penalties associated with the use of eRideables’ in Western Australia.
The emergence of eRideables presents an opportunity to reshape urban mobility in WA. However, their integration must be guided by robust regulation, a commitment to safety, and attention to the medical evidence regarding injury patterns and prevention. The AMA (WA) urges the WA Parliament to adopt an approach that protects all road users, advances responsible mobility, and supports the sustainable usage of eRideables in our State without compromising the health and wellbeing of the community.
The AMA (WA) is particularly concerned with the injury risks and public health implications surrounding the rapid uptake of eRideables in our State. As emergency departments, trauma units, intensive care units, and other parts of our health system across WA have recorded a notable increase in serious, life-altering and sometimes lethal eRideable-related injuries, it is crucial to craft policy that balances innovation with the health and wellbeing of our community.
Our submission addressed the terms of reference from a medical and public health perspective and made the recommendations below.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- The State Government, through an appropriate agency or department to:
- issue consistent, statewide guidance to local governments on their responsibilities with respect to ‘for hire’ eRideable schemes; and
- conduct consistent safety audits of ‘for hire’ scheme operators.
- Excluding the use of eRideables in high-pedestrian usage or other at-risk areas.
- Sustained compliance, enforcement and policing measures to address issues including but not limited to illegal modifications, non-compliant designs, use in high-pedestrian or other high-usage areas, exceeding speed limits, and riding dangerously.
- The Commonwealth Government to undertake inspections and implement effective controls around the importation of eRideables.
- Delivering targeted education on safe and responsible eRideable ownership and use.
- Investment in infrastructure upgrades to safely accommodate eRideables alongside other road and path users.
- Undertaking community engagement to ensure all voices, especially those of vulnerable populations, are considered in regulatory decisions for eRideables.
- Systematic data collection to understand patterns and trends of eRideable injuries in adults and children across the entire State, including funding for research and monitoring of international and interstate best practices.