The Western Australian government has initiated a new parliamentary inquiry into the safety of e-rideables following the recent death of a Perth father in an e-scooter accident. The inquiry aims to enhance safety measures and explore stricter penalties for illegal behavior associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.

A parliamentary committee will analyze injury data, accident statistics, and usage trends to propose appropriate regulations like curfews and footpath bans in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Additionally, the inquiry will investigate the potential use of technology to improve the safety of e-rideables, including geo-fencing to restrict operation in congested zones and speed limitations.

The investigation will also compare privately owned e-rideable devices with rental options to inform updated regulations. The state government is calling for federal intervention to prevent the importation of non-compliant devices that may pose safety risks.

Following the tragic death of Thanh Phan, the first pedestrian fatality involving an e-scooter, the family has urged a review of e-rideable usage and safety protocols. The City of Perth has temporarily halted e-scooter rentals in response to the incident.

Legislation in Western Australia currently restricts e-rideables to 10 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h on roads, with additional requirements such as helmet use, sobriety, no passengers, and a minimum age of 16. However, Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby plans to propose further amendments to enhance safety measures.

Meanwhile, WA Police will continue their enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with e-rideable regulations, issuing fines and impounding devices in dense pedestrian areas. The Road Safety Commission will also focus on educating the public about the safe and legal use of e-rideables.