Auckland Southern Motorway: E-Scooter Rider's Reckless Journey (Dashcam)

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

4.5

Share

The Dashcam Footage: A Detailed Account

The dashcam video, which appears to have been recorded around 7:30 am on a Tuesday morning, captures an e-scooter rider traveling southbound on the Auckland Southern Motorway near the Manukau section. The footage clearly shows the rider weaving erratically through high-speed traffic, blatantly ignoring basic road safety rules. The rider's actions are not only incredibly dangerous for themselves but also pose a significant risk to other motorists.

• Speed estimated from the dashcam footage: Approximately 30km/h – a dangerously slow speed on a motorway, creating a significant hazard for other vehicles.
• Specific traffic violations observed: Riding on the motorway (strictly prohibited), weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring lane markings, and nearly causing several collisions.
• Description of near misses: The rider came within inches of being struck by several cars and trucks. One particularly close call involved a large truck that had to brake sharply to avoid a collision.
• Type of e-scooter used (if visible): The footage shows a standard-looking rental e-scooter, easily identifiable by its livery.

The Dangers of E-Scooter Use on Motorways

Operating an e-scooter on a motorway is inherently dangerous. The vast speed difference between a car traveling at 80-100km/h and an e-scooter traveling at a maximum of 25km/h creates an extreme vulnerability for the e-scooter rider. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the lack of protective equipment commonly worn by e-scooter users. The consequences of an accident at motorway speeds can be catastrophic.

• High-speed traffic on motorways: Motorways are designed for high-speed traffic; e-scooters are not equipped to handle these speeds or the unpredictable nature of motorway driving.
• Lack of safety features on e-scooters: E-scooters offer minimal protection to riders in the event of a collision. They lack seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features standard in cars.
• Vulnerability to collisions: The small size and low profile of e-scooters make them extremely difficult for drivers to see, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Legal consequences of riding an e-scooter on a motorway: Riding an e-scooter on a motorway is illegal and carries significant penalties, including fines and potential license suspension.

Road Safety Awareness and Responsibility for E-Scooter Riders

The incident underscores the critical need for increased road safety awareness among e-scooter riders in Auckland. Following traffic rules and regulations is non-negotiable. Every e-scooter rider has a responsibility to prioritize their own safety and the safety of others. Increased awareness campaigns focused on safe riding practices are crucial.

• Importance of wearing helmets and protective gear: Helmets and other protective gear significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in an accident.
• Sticking to designated e-scooter lanes and paths: E-scooters should be ridden only on designated paths and lanes, not on busy roads or motorways.
• Observing speed limits: Adhering to speed limits ensures safe and controlled riding.
• Following traffic signals and signs: E-scooter riders must obey all traffic signals and signs just like any other road user.
• The role of proper e-scooter training: Mandatory training programs could educate riders on safe riding practices and road rules.

Auckland Council's Response and Future E-Scooter Regulations

Auckland Council currently has regulations in place governing e-scooter usage, but clearly, more needs to be done. Incidents like this necessitate a review of existing laws and the implementation of stricter enforcement measures. Increased public awareness campaigns targeting safe e-scooter practices are also essential.

• Current Auckland e-scooter laws: These currently prohibit e-scooter use on motorways, but enforcement has been inconsistent.
• Proposed amendments to these laws: The Council may introduce stricter penalties for violations and enhance enforcement mechanisms.
• Public awareness campaigns by the council: More public service announcements and educational initiatives are needed to emphasize safe riding practices.
• Potential for stricter enforcement: Increased police presence and the use of technology could help deter unsafe e-scooter use.

Conclusion

The dashcam footage of the reckless e-scooter rider on the Auckland Southern Motorway serves as a stark warning. The inherent dangers of using e-scooters on motorways are undeniable, and the irresponsible actions of this rider put themselves and others at serious risk. Safe e-scooter riding in Auckland requires a concerted effort from riders, the council, and law enforcement. We must all prioritize responsible e-scooter use and adhere to traffic laws to create safer roads for everyone. Share this article to raise awareness about Auckland e-scooter safety, safe e-scooter riding in Auckland, and the importance of following Auckland Southern Motorway e-scooter rules. Let's work together to improve road safety for all road users in Auckland.