City’s scooters abandoned after joy rides to nowhere

E-SCOOTER riders have been given a stern warning about the electric joy ride’s limitations after some were found abandoned in strange parts of the city.

The 250 bright orange Neuron Mobility e-scooters hit Townsville streets a week ago and already there are reports of them being dumped, damaged or not ridden in accordance with the law.

One e-scooter was snapped abandoned at Black River, north of Townsville, while other residents have reported very few riders wearing helmets.

There have also been complaints of people using the e-scooters while intoxicated on Flinders Street with a witness suggesting riders were even cutting off traffic late at night.

The misbehaviour has prompted Townsville police to put out a warning to remind people that regular road rules apply to the e-scooters.

“Townsville police would like to remind users that there are rules to follow regarding these new modes of transport,” Acting Community Crime Prevention Officer Sue Moran said in the statement posted online.

“If you get caught not complying with the rules you may be fined $133.”

Townsville is just the second Queensland city, after Brisbane, to take on the personal mobility devices, which were introduced as a way to encourage people to explore the CBD. For more information, visit townsville.qld.gov.au.

A Facebook post showing one of the h Neuron Mobility e-scooters abandoned on the side of the road at Black River.