Tragic Incident Prompts Review of E-Scooter Program
The City of Perth has suspended its e-scooter hire program following the tragic death of 51-year-old Thanh Phan, who was struck by an e-scooter while walking through the CBD on Saturday night.
Mr Phan, a structural engineer and father of two, had been out for dinner when he was hit at the intersection of Murray and King streets by an allegedly drunk rider. He sustained critical injuries and died two days later in hospital due to a brain bleed.
Thanh Phan passed away due to a brain haemorrhage. [Credit: 9News]
UK tourist Alicia Kemp, 24, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving while under the influence of alcohol. Police allege she had a blood alcohol reading of 0.158 and had been drinking for six hours prior to the collision. She was refused bail and is due to face court again next month.
Alicia Kemp’s partner was seen outside Perth Magistrates Court on Monday. [Credit: 9News Perth]
City Responds to Family’s Call for Action
In the wake of Mr Phan’s death, his grieving family called for a “review of the governance and safety regulations surrounding hired e-scooters to help prevent further serious incidents that put lives at risk”.
City of Perth Deputy Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds responded swiftly, announcing the suspension of e-scooter hiring from midday on Thursday. “A tragic event occurred at the weekend and our thoughts are with the deceased man’s family at this very sad time,” he said.
“This is a human incident, and it’s horrible. It’s appropriate for the council to suspend the rental of e-scooters in the meantime.”
While the council has not committed to a permanent ban, Reynolds acknowledged that decisions would be made after reviewing all evidence. “Without jumping too early until we have the evidence and information in front of us, it’s really unfair for us to commit one way or another at this stage,” he said.
The spot near the intersection of Murray and King Streets in Perth where Thanh Phan was struck by the e-scooter. [Credit: ABC News/Glyn Jones]
Government and Medical Authorities Support Suspension
Premier Roger Cook commended the City of Perth’s decision, calling it “a perfectly appropriate response to a dreadful situation and a horrible tragedy”.
“We have to make sure that it’s safe and I think the council is moving in absolutely appropriate way,” Mr Cook told ABC Radio Perth. While he acknowledged e-scooters can be a convenient and enjoyable mode of transport, he warned, “We know alcohol has no role to play when it comes to safety on our roads and in our streets.”
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti also admitted more needed to be done regarding compliance with e-scooter regulations.
Safety Concerns Mount as Injuries Rise
Mr Phan’s death marks the first time a pedestrian has been killed by an e-scooter in Western Australia, and he is the fifth person to die in an e-rideable incident in the state since January 2024.
The Australian Medical Association WA has warned of an alarming rise in e-scooter injuries. “We have at least one major e-scooter injury every day that’s severe enough to be admitted to the state major trauma unit at Royal Perth Hospital,” said AMA WA president Dr Michael Page.
“Major injuries that are admitted to that unit are things like head injuries, long bone fractures, internal organ lacerations and the like,” he added. “These are dangerous in the wrong hands, and you really have no control over whose hands they’re going to be in if you just put them out on the street and let people use them with a credit card.”
Community Concerns and Previous Warnings
A survey conducted by the City of Perth in January revealed divided opinions on the e-scooter hire scheme. Of the 700 people surveyed, 38 per cent had used the scooters and were generally supportive, while 70 per cent of non-users expressed concerns.
Issues cited included excessive speed, reckless riding, failure to give way to pedestrians, lack of helmet compliance, and inadequate enforcement.
A recent review by WA’s Road Safety Commission echoed those worries, finding a “concerning” lack of rule compliance and a high number of near misses involving pedestrians. The review called for increased enforcement and tougher penalties for offences, noting WA’s penalties were weaker than those in other states.
Also Read: Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck by Light Rail in Sydney
E-Scooter Operator Responds
Neuron, one of the two companies operating e-scooters in Perth, stated it was cooperating with the investigation. “We understand this temporary pause will affect many people who rely on the service to get around the city, and we appreciate their patience,” the company said.
“We look forward to resuming safe operations as soon as we are able.”
Ms Kemp’s boyfriend seemed to wipe away tears as she was refused bail. [Credit: Andrew Ritchie/The West Australian]
A Life Remembered
Thanh Phan was remembered by neighbours as “unwaveringly positive, hard working, and one of the kindest people we have known”. He had lived in WA for over a decade and was deeply loved by his family and community.
“On Saturday night, Thanh Phan – a beloved husband, father of two, brother, and dear friend – was struck by an electric scooter and critically injured,” his family said in a statement. “Yesterday evening, we received the heartbreaking news that Thanh passed away as a result of his injuries.”
As Perth grapples with the consequences of this tragedy, the future of shared e-scooters remains uncertain, with increasing calls for tighter regulations, better enforcement, and a serious rethink of public safety.
