Nirimba State Primary School has implemented an immediate ban on electric personal mobility devices following a near-miss incident where an underage student was almost hit by a car while riding an e-scooter without a helmet.
Principal Steven Moore announced the ban through a letter sent to parents on Monday, February 17, after noticing an increase in students using these devices since the start of the school year.
“From tomorrow, Tuesday, the 18th of February, all student personal mobility devices are banned from school grounds,” Moore stated in his letter. “The school will also not condone the inappropriate use of personable mobility devices by allowing these devices to be parked at school.”
The ban follows Queensland laws requiring riders to be at least 16 years old, or a minimum of 12 years with adult supervision. Moore cited a specific incident where a student under 12 years old was riding an e-scooter without a helmet and narrowly avoided being hit by a car. “If collision had occurred, the injures would have likely been substantial,” he wrote.
Under the new policy, students can park their devices at the Nirimba Sports Complex or another off-site location before walking onto school grounds. The principal also reminded parents to ensure their children wear helmets when riding any type of bike or scooter in the community.
While Moore declined interview requests regarding the decision, a Department of Education spokesman supported the move, stating that Nirimba State Primary School prioritises the safety of all students, staff, and community members.
The ban comes amid growing concerns about e-scooter safety in Queensland, where 290 crashes were recorded in 2024, with a significant number involving teenage riders.
Published 18-February-2025