E-Scooter Ban Enforced at Nirimba State Primary School

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.



Photo Credit: Nirimba State Primary School

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

Mother Calls for Tougher E-Scooter Regulations After Daughter’s Near-Fatal Accident in Maroochydore

In the wake of a harrowing incident involving her 12-year-old daughter, a mother is urgently calling for stricter regulations on e-scooter safety in Australia. The accident, which occurred in Maroochydore, has sparked a renewed debate on the safety of these increasingly popular vehicles, especially when used by young riders.


Read: From Alexandra Headland to Kings Beach: Sunshine Coast’s Pathway Gets a Boost


Rebecca Cronan’s daughter, Ruby, was riding her e-scooter on the footpath to school when tragedy struck. It’s believed she was hit by a car reversing out of a driveway, leaving her trapped underneath the vehicle. Quick-thinking bystanders rushed to her aid, potentially saving her life.

Photo credit: Queensland Police

Ruby is currently recovering at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, having suffered a brain injury and collapsed lungs. Despite the severity of her injuries, she is now talking and walking, showing promising signs of recovery.

A Mother’s Regret and Call to Action

E-Scooter
Photo credit: Antonius Ferret/Pexels

Mrs Cronan revealed that she had purchased the e-scooter for Ruby after months of persistent requests. Now, filled with regret, she’s urging other parents not to make the same mistake. 

The concerned mother is now advocating for significant changes to e-scooter regulations. While current Queensland state regulations allow children aged 12-16 to ride e-scooters under adult supervision without a licence, Mrs Cronan believes this age range is far too young. She’s suggesting that the minimum age should be raised to between 16 and 18, with the addition of a mandatory educational day course for riders.

One crucial factor that may have prevented an even worse outcome was Ruby’s use of a helmet. The headgear was significantly damaged in the accident, underscoring its vital role in protecting riders.

A Growing Concern

This incident is not isolated. Data from the Sunshine Coast Health Trauma Service reveals an alarming trend in e-scooter-related emergencies. 

Over a 12-month period from January 2023 to January 2024, the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Emergency Department saw 118 presentations related to e-scooter incidents – equivalent to one every three days.

E-Scooter
Dr Andrew Hobbins-King rides an e-scooter at Sunshine Coast University Hospital (Photo credit: sunshinecoast.health.qld.gov.au)

Dr Andrew Hobbins-King, Medical Director of the Trauma Service, highlighted that adolescents make up the largest group of e-scooter incident victims, with many sustaining significant injuries:

  • 56.8% of presentations were patients under 18 years old
  • 72.9% of overall presentations were male
  • 61% of patients had at least one fractured bone
  • Injuries ranged from mild abrasions to fractures, collapsed lungs, and brain bleeds

Read: Help Save Lives By Being A Blood Donor Today At The Maroochydore Donor Centre


Call for Safer E-Scooting

In light of these statistics, Sunshine Coast Health is urging the community to prioritise safety when using e-scooters.

The incident involving Ruby serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with these vehicles, especially for young riders.

Published 2-September-2024