"No issues" with electric scooters and skateboards in Orange in wake of warning
By Peter Holmes
A Christmas warning about using illegal devices such as electric scooters, skateboards and hoverboards appears to have paid off.
That, or few in the city found one of the contraptions under their Christmas tree.
NSW Police issued statewide warnings ahead of Christmas in anticipation of people receiving these items as presents.
"Although a motorised scooter, skateboard or hoverboard (electric or petrol powered) are considered motor vehicles, they do not satisfy the Australian Design Rules and for this reason, cannot be registered in NSW and are unable to be insured," the warning stated.
"These devices cannot be ridden on roads, or road related areas (such as footpaths, shared paths and cycleways) in NSW, except on private land."
People who use these devices in public settings face fines starting at $704.
Inspector David Maher from Orange Police told The Orange News Examiner that since Christmas there had been "no issues" in the city related to people getting about illegally.
The NSW Centre for Road Safety states that foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades may be ridden on footpaths, unless signs specifically prohibit them, however riders must keep to the left and give way to other pedestrians.
"On separated bicycle and pedestrian paths, foot scooter, skateboard and rollerblade riders must use the section designated for bicycles, but must keep out of the path of any bicycle."
Foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades can only be used on the road during daylight hours.
Riders should wear "helmets and protective gear such as knee and elbow pads ... For the best protection, choose bicycle helmets that are accredited as complying with the Australian Standard and feature BSI, Global-Mark, SAI Global or AUS labels", according to the centre.
A separate warning was issued for e-bikes.
Only two types of e-bikes are permitted: power-assisted pedal cycles and electric power-assisted cycles.
"But they must be designed to be propelled primarily by the rider," the warning stated.
"They cannot be propelled exclusively by the motor and cannot exceed 25km/h."
Fines for riding an illegal electric powered bicycle on a road or road-related area in NSW start at $704.
Meanwhile, inspector Maher said there had been no spike in domestic violence-related crimes over the Christmas period.
According to the latest 12-monthly figures from BOCSAR (NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research) the rate for domestic violence-related assault in the Orange LGA is 1.8 times the NSW average.
Released in December 2021, the figures covered the 12 months to September 2021.
Extra police were rostered to work around the city on New Year's Eve, with inspector Maher saying large crowds were expected at licensed venues.
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