E-scooter riders have been warned they will no longer be given leniency after hundreds were caught riding on footpaths and without helmets.
Officers fined almost 300 riders over a two-day crackdown earlier this month in Melbourne's CBD and at major transport hubs.
Some 137 e-scooter riders were fined for failing to wear an approved helmet and 73 for riding on a footpath, which police described as "extremely dangerous".
One rider will face court after refusing an oral fluid test while 12 were fined for failing to obey a traffic light and three for carrying a passenger.
E-scooters can only be ridden on shared paths and roads with a speed limit up to 60km/h but any scooter capable of exceeding 25km/h is restricted to use on private properties.
They are permitted on a trial basis with the state government due to introduce a permanent scheme from October.
Police are focusing on e-scooter rider behaviour in the CBD and built-up areas due to concerns from the community, Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said.
“While the majority of people do use e-scooters responsibly, unfortunately we’re seeing too many riders continue to disregard the rules when it comes to e-scooters," he said
“The time for leniency is over, the e-scooter rules under the government trial have been in effect for some time now, so there is no excuse for not knowing what you can and can’t do on an e-scooter."
Acting Inspector Michael Tsaloumas said too many collisions had been caused by riders travelling on footpaths, with some suffering serious injuries.
“Riders must adhere to the rules, including not riding on the footpath and wearing a helmet at all times ," he said.
"Those who don’t will be held to account and face significant penalties.”
E-scooters have been allowed in public since 2021 in Ballarat and 2022 in the city, with data showing riders took some eight million trips during that period to April 2024.
The Australian Medical Association has previously called for stricter rules after a Royal Melbourne Hospital study revealed 247 riders and nine pedestrians involved in collisions had been treated for injuries in 2023.
