Blayde Pettitt, a 13-year-old boy from Queensland, has died after crashing on a modified e-scooter while spending time with friends near a McDonald’s restaurant in Childers.
Emergency services were called to Macrossan Street shortly after 6pm on Wednesday, 26 August, following the single-vehicle crash. Blayde suffered serious head injuries and was flown to Queensland Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.
Queensland Police said he died in hospital on 29 August. The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
A fundraising appeal set up on behalf of Blayde’s family said he had been with friends at McDonald’s when he was allowed to ride the modified scooter, described as too powerful for someone his age.
Queensland’s new e-scooter laws
The death came as Queensland introduced tougher rules governing e-scooters and other e-mobility devices. From Monday, 31 August, riders must generally be at least 16 and hold at least a learner’s licence to ride alone.
Children aged between 12 and 17 who do not hold a learner’s licence may ride only under the close supervision of a parent or carer. Parents can face a fine of 518 Australian dollars if children under 16 are found riding illegally.
The reforms also give police powers to seize illegal devices, including those capable of travelling faster than the permitted 25km/h limit. Riders face further penalties for offences including dangerous or careless riding, failing to wear a helmet and exceeding speed limits on footpaths.
Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the death of a young person was a tragedy for the family and the Childers community, adding that the legislation had been pursued to make e-mobility devices safer.
