An overhaul of Queensland's e-scooter laws has resulted in nearly 800 fines being issued in just over two months.
The new laws came into effect in November last year.
More than half of the 780 fines issued to date were given to riders not using a helmet. This alone amounted to $62,000 in fines.
Police also handed out 438 fines for not wearing a helmet, 161 fines for riding on a prohibited road, 52 for exceeding the speed limit, 48 for carrying extra passengers, 23 for failing to stop at a red light and five for using a mobile device while riding.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the aim of the new laws was to keep riders safe.
"If you're doing the wrong thing on an e-scooter, you will get caught. There is no doubt about it," Mr Bailey said.
"Whether it's a police car on the road, or a team out on one of the shared pathways or bikeways, police are enforcing these provisions."
Police stepping up enforcement
Constable Duncan Hill said that — although police have been focusing on educating riders during November and December as the new laws came into effect — in these next few months officers will be more stringent in enforcing the rules and issuing fines.
"It's not just for you, the rider. It's for the safety of people on the footpaths," he said.
The Department of Transport is working with Queensland police to determine what the appropriate level of intoxication is for someone using a personal mobility device.
As it stands, it is an offence to ride while having a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or to be under the influence of a drug.
"What the appropriate level is for a personal mobility device is, I am not sure, but 0.15 is very high," Constable Hill said.
"There is a misconception that [people under the influence] are doing the right thing by not driving home, but we want to remind people that riding whilst under the influence is still an offence."
