Dashcam Footage Reveals Reckless E-Scooter Use On Busy Auckland Southern Motorway

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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The Dashcam Footage: A Detailed Account

The dashcam footage, recorded at approximately 7:15 AM on Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, shows an e-scooter rider traveling southbound on the Auckland Southern Motorway near the Manukau section. The location places the rider in a high-risk environment with fast-moving vehicles and limited space for maneuvering. The footage clearly depicts the rider weaving erratically through lanes of congested traffic at a speed estimated to be significantly above the safe limit for an e-scooter. The rider appears to be completely disregarding basic traffic laws, showing no awareness of the potential danger to themselves and other road users.

• Time of incident: 7:15 AM, Tuesday, October 24th, 2023
• Specific location on the Southern Motorway: Southbound near Manukau
• Description of e-scooter rider's actions: Weaving through traffic, excessive speed (estimated at over 30km/h), ignoring traffic laws, no helmet observed.
• Presence of other vehicles and their reactions: Several cars were visibly forced to brake or swerve to avoid a collision. Drivers displayed reactions ranging from surprise to frustration.
• Any near misses or accidents: At least two near misses were recorded where cars narrowly avoided colliding with the e-scooter.

Legal Ramifications and Existing Regulations

Currently, New Zealand law prohibits the use of e-scooters on motorways. The Land Transport Rule: Electric Scooters 2020 outlines specific rules for e-scooter usage, including speed limits, designated areas, and helmet requirements. Operating an electric scooter on a motorway, as seen in this footage, is a clear violation of these regulations.

• Current legislation surrounding e-scooter use in New Zealand: Land Transport Rule: Electric Scooters 2020 prohibits e-scooter usage on motorways and sets speed limits and safety requirements.
• Specific penalties for violating traffic laws on e-scooters: Penalties range from fines to license suspensions, potentially involving court appearances for more serious offenses.
• Legal implications for the e-scooter rider in the dashcam footage: The rider faces potential prosecution for reckless driving, endangering others, and violating the Land Transport Rule: Electric Scooters 2020.
• Potential changes to legislation based on this incident: This incident may push for stricter enforcement and further clarification of the law, potentially including increased public awareness campaigns.

The Dangers of E-Scooter Use on Motorways

The inherent dangers of operating an e-scooter on a motorway are undeniable. The high-speed traffic, large vehicles with significant blind spots, and the lack of protection for e-scooter riders create a recipe for disaster. The vulnerability of e-scooter riders compared to those in cars is immense.

• High-speed traffic: Motorways are designed for high-speed vehicles; e-scooters are not equipped to handle such speeds safely.
• Large vehicle blind spots: Large trucks and buses often have significant blind spots, making e-scooters nearly invisible to drivers.
• Limited rider protection: E-scooter riders lack the protection afforded by car safety features, leaving them highly vulnerable in a collision.
• Lack of visibility for e-scooter riders: E-scooters are small and can be difficult for drivers to see, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Promoting Safer E-Scooter Use in Auckland

Improving e-scooter safety in Auckland requires a multi-pronged approach involving education, infrastructure improvements, and stricter enforcement. While some initiatives, such as designated e-scooter lanes in certain areas, are already underway, more needs to be done.

• Public awareness campaigns on safe e-scooter use: Extensive campaigns are needed, emphasizing the importance of following traffic laws, wearing helmets, and avoiding motorways.
• Improved e-scooter infrastructure, such as designated lanes: Creating dedicated e-scooter paths and lanes separate from vehicular traffic is crucial for safety.
• Stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws for e-scooter riders: Increased police presence and stricter penalties for violations will deter unsafe behavior.
• Educational programs for e-scooter users: Mandatory safety courses or online resources could educate riders on responsible e-scooter use.
• Role of local councils and transport agencies: Auckland Transport and local councils must play a leading role in coordinating safety initiatives and infrastructure improvements.

Conclusion

The dashcam footage undeniably highlights the reckless and dangerous nature of e-scooter use on the Auckland Southern Motorway. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with operating e-scooters on high-speed roadways, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures and responsible e-scooter practices. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws, prioritizing road safety, and understanding the limitations of e-scooters as a mode of transport.

To prevent future accidents and promote safer e-scooter use, we urge everyone to be mindful of road safety and always obey traffic laws. Report any unsafe e-scooter practices to the appropriate authorities. Let's make Auckland's roads safer for everyone by promoting responsible e-scooter riding practices and joining the conversation using #eScooterSafetyAuckland.