E-scooters not toys, campaign warns

AHEAD of Christmas, the State Government and Transport Accident Commission (TAC) have relaunched a campaign to remind parents about the dangers of e-scooters.

It is illegal for people under the age of 16 to ride e-scooters.

The campaign aims to highlight the dangers of e-scooter use to parents or guardians considering giving one as a gift this Christmas.

Last year five people, including one aged under 16, lost their lives in Victoria riding an e-scooter.

“E-scooters might look like fun, but they’re not toys, they’re vehicles that come with serious risks,” Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said.

“This campaign is a wake-up call for parents: underage riding is illegal, and it can have tragic consequences.”

The If you think e-scooters are a toy, think again campaign includes stop-motion animations of riders engaging in dangerous and illegal behaviours.

The relaunched campaign includes a new animation centred around underage riding and a video about doctors treating e-scooter injuries.

The campaign will run until Friday 20 January.