Busselton e-scooter riders to be reminded of safety rules as part of Helmet Safety Awareness Week

Riders of e-scooters around the City of Busselton are being reminded of the importance of the rules around their safe use. Operator Neuron Mobility is urging users of the transport option to put on a helmet when going for a ride as part of its annual Helmet Safety Awareness Week which runs until Sunday. As part of its efforts, the company will be holding events near the Shelter Brewing Co on Friday and at the Dunsborough Markets on Saturday to remind riders of the rules around e-scooter use. It is illegal to ride an e-scooter in Western Australia without a helmet, with those caught not wearing one facing a fine of $50. It can also be vital to preventing long-term consequences if there is an incident, with a 2020 study from Henry Ford Health finding 28 per cent of e-scooter injuries occur to the head or neck. Neuron Australia general manager Jayden Bryant said although 99.99 per cent of trips on the company’s e-scooters ended safely, helmets are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injury. “Everyone should wear a helmet to protect themselves, it is mandatory in Australia, and we want people to continue to wear them long after (this week’s) campaign ends,” he said. Australian Road Safety Foundation chair Russell White urged all e-scooter users to ride safely. “It is so important that riders are educated on the riding rules, including how to ride safely and responsibly and that includes the importance of using a helmet when riding an e-scooter for their own safety and to avoid heavy fines,” he said.