Time to strengthen the law on usage of e-scooters

Photo: Filepic/The Star

THERE is a growing danger on our roads that too many of us brush off as a minor inconvenience – until it becomes deeply personal.

Recently, my uncle was the victim of a hit-and-run incident in Bukit Bintang. The rider was on an e-scooter, travelling against the flow of traffic – fast, silent and completely reckless.

The impact left my uncle with multiple injuries requiring stitches. Even today, he suffers from lingering hearing problems.

What is perhaps most alarming is not just the audacity of that rider, but the fact that he simply sped off, leaving an elderly injured man bleeding profusely on the road.

If not for the quick action of nearby colleagues who rushed my uncle to a clinic, the consequences might have been devastating.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Just last month, I myself narrowly avoided being hit in SS15 by another foolhardy e-scooter rider (again travelling against traffic).

There was no warning, no sound, no accountability; just a split second between safety and serious harm as he missed me by inches.

This raises urgent questions: What are the authorities doing about this? Are e-scooter riders not subject to traffic laws?

Or are we allowing a dangerous grey area to persist until more lives are affected?

E-scooters, while innovative and environmentally friendly, cannot be allowed to operate outside the framework of road safety.

When used responsibly, they are a welcome addition to urban mobility. But when abused, they become high-speed hazards, especially in densely populated areas.

At present, enforcement appears inconsistent at best. Riders frequently ignore basic traffic rules, riding against traffic, weaving between pedestrians, speeding on walkways and, in some cases, operating without any form of identification.

This creates a dangerous imbalance – where pedestrians and motorists are held accountable but e-scooter riders often are not.

It is time for decisive action.

First, the Transport Ministry and local councils must urgently review and strengthen regulations on e-scooter usage. Clear, enforceable laws must define where and how these devices can be used, whether on roads, bicycle lanes or designated paths.

Second, mandatory registration and visible identification should be introduced. Just as motorcycles and cars carry licence plates, these scooters must not remain anonymous. Accountability is the foundation of safety.

Third, enforcement must be stepped up. Authorities need to conduct regular operations in high-risk areas, issuing fines or confiscating devices from those who violate traffic laws. A visible enforcement presence will act as a strong deterrent.

Fourth, public education campaigns are essential. Riders, many of whom are young, must be made aware that e-scooters are not toys. They are vehicles, and using them comes with responsibility. Safety gear such as helmets should be strongly encouraged, if not made compulsory.

Fifth, infrastructure must evolve alongside technology. Dedicated lanes for micro-mobility devices can significantly reduce conflict between pedestrians, motorists and e-scooter users.

Until such measures are in place, all road users must exercise heightened vigilance.

But let us be clear: the burden of safety cannot rest solely on potential victims.

We cannot wait for more injuries or, worse, fatalities before taking this issue seriously. My uncle’s experience is a stark reminder that behind every statistic is a human life, a family and a gory story that could have been avoided.

E-scooters are here to stay. The question is whether we will choose to manage them responsibly or allow uninhibited recklessness to define their presence on our streets.

The time to act is now.

MARK SURESH

Petaling Jaya