Perth Boy Seriously Injured by Fleeing E-Scooter Rider, Sparking Crackdown Calls
A seven-year-old boy named Archie suffered serious injuries, including losing a tooth, after being struck by an e-scooter rider and dragged several metres along a footpath near a playground in southeast Perth. The incident occurred close to Byford train station on Sunday and was captured on camera, with the rider immediately fleeing the scene without stopping to assist.
Parents Witness Terrifying Collision
Archie's parents, Laura Drewett and her partner, witnessed the collision firsthand. They described the event as happening "so fast", leaving them in shock. "There was just blood everywhere," Ms Drewett told 7NEWS. "That was just the first thing I saw. I could not believe there was so much blood." Following the incident, Archie required medical attention and was seen wearing a neck brace, highlighting the severity of his injuries.
Calls for Government Action on Reckless Riding
The couple are now urging the Western Australian state government to implement stricter measures against dangerous e-bike and e-scooter use on both roads and footpaths. Their appeal comes amid growing public concern over anti-social behaviour involving these electric vehicles.
So far this year, authorities have charged more than 24 youths with reckless riding in Perth's Central Business District alone. WA Police have issued a stark warning to parents, confiscating 36 bikes and scooters from children aged 11 to 16. Police Minister Reece Whitby emphasised the ongoing issue, stating, "We're still getting kids under 16 riding them, being reckless, speeding, not wearing a helmet."
Police Crackdown and Recent Tragic Case
In response to numerous public complaints about children riding electric scooters and off-road bikes dangerously through suburban streets—intimidating pedestrians, flouting traffic laws, and causing near-misses with cars—WA Police launched a crackdown. Last week, they shared footage of seized e-bikes and e-scooters being destroyed as part of this operation.
In some instances, teenagers on e-bikes have been reported hurling objects at other vehicles and posting videos of their pranks on social media, exacerbating safety concerns.
This incident follows a tragic case in December, where a British backpacker, Alicia Kemp, was jailed for four years after killing a father-of-two while riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol. Kemp, who was three times over the legal limit and travelling at approximately 20km/hour, smashed into 51-year-old Thanh Phan in Perth's city centre on May 31. Mr Phan suffered a brain bleed and died several days later.
In her sentencing remarks, Judge Hughes underscored the seriousness of e-scooter misuse, stating, "E-scooters are not toys." She described how the force of the impact caused Mr Phan to spin and fall backwards, hitting his head on the ground with significant force. Judge Hughes concluded, "It was not an accident. You are responsible for the death of a good man, and I accept that you understand that today."
WA Police are currently searching for the rider responsible for Sunday's incident involving young Archie, as calls for enhanced regulation and enforcement continue to mount.
