Perth, Australia Halts E-Scooter Rentals Indefinitely After Pedestrian Fatality

The city of Perth, capital of Western Australia, has indefinitely suspended e-scooter hire services following the death of a pedestrian involved in a collision with an e-scooter.

The suspension took effect from midday on Thursday, in response to the death of a 51-year-old man who was struck from behind by an e-scooter while walking with a friend in central Perth on Saturday night. He succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

This marks the first fatal e-scooter incident involving a pedestrian in Western Australia, ABC reported.

A British tourist was arrested at the scene and has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving under the influence of alcohol.

Perth’s Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds called the incident a “tragic event” and confirmed that all e-scooter providers had been instructed to remove their vehicles from the city’s streets. He added that there is currently no timeline for when the suspension will be lifted.

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook described the decision to halt e-scooter operations as “perfectly appropriate” during an interview with ABC Radio.