It’s very likely that you have seen someone cruising around the Brisbane CBD on a Lime scooter in the past few months. It is also quite possible that you have witnessed some people who look like they have come straight out of the Pig ‘N Whistle driving around on a Lime scooter.
It is a quick and easy way for you to travel around the city, or to get home, probably cheaper than an Uber especially if the fares are surging.
Unfortunately, taking a Lime scooter home after a few beers on a Friday afternoon is fraught with danger and may lead to bigger trouble than just falling off and embarrassing yourself in front of your mates.
In Queensland it “is an offence to drive or attempt to put in motion or be in charge of a motor vehicle whilst you are under the influence, or affected above a certain level, by either alcohol or drugs.”
We can hear you saying “a Lime scooter isn’t a car”. Unfortunately, ‘motor vehicle’ is not defined by law in the same way as every day usage. The relevant legislation sets out that a ‘motor vehicle’ includes “any type of transport that moves on wheels”.
So where does that leave you? In trouble! If an officer pulls you over cruising down Eagle Street, they will likely charge you, and the charge may stick.
Our takeaway, it is better to be safe than sorry, and we would steer clear of drinking and scooting, plus it might save you (and your skin) some pain and embarrassment.
As a final note, you are required to wear a helmet on a Lime scooter, or you can be fined.
If you have any further questions, or you have been charged with riding a Lime scooter after a few, please contact our criminal law team, and we can discuss any possible defences or submissions that can be made to save you from possibly dire consequences.