The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has launched Operation Yankee Surety, a coordinated, statewide policing operation focused on enforcing e-mobility laws and addressing unsafe rider behaviours.
Running from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, Operation Yankee Surety operationalises new legislative changes to e-mobility devices, with a focus on deterring unsafe behaviours on electrically power assisted cycles (EPACs), e-scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMDs) and removing illegal devices from Queensland roads.
The growing popularity of e-mobility devices has made them an increasingly common mode of transport but has also led to a concerning rise in dangerous riding behaviours such as speeding, impaired riding, riding without a helmet, and the use of illegal devices.
The operation follows on from the efforts of Operation X-Ray Surety, which ran from 3 November 2025 to 26 January 2026, during which Queensland police issued more than 2,800 traffic infringement notices (TINs) to e-mobility users.
Maintaining this focus on e-mobility safety, from 1 January to 19 June 2026, police issued more than 2,600 TINs related to e-mobility usage, including 1,824 for not wearing a helmet, 358 for riding on a prohibited road and 69 for speeding.
However, under the newly introduced legislation, police enforcement has expanded to include roadside breath testing of EPAC and PMD riders; the capability to seize all non-compliant devices; fines for parents or guardians of under 16s riding non-compliant devices; and fines for speeding.
Emergency Response and Coordination Command Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said the operation represents the QPS’ commitment to keeping all road users safe – including riders of e-mobility devices.
“Queensland police have witnessed a rapid rise in the use of e-mobility devices across Queensland, and while they offer convenience, they must be used safely and lawfully,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
“Operation Yankee Surety reinforces our strong commitment to road safety, which extends to every rider on EPACs, PMDs and other e-mobility devices.”
“We want all riders to understand that rules exist for a reason, and dangerous behaviours and non-compliant devices place not just the rider, but the entire community, at risk of tragic crashes, injuries and death.”
“Keeping road and pathway users safe remains our priority, and police will act against non-compliant devices and unlawful behaviour wherever it occurs.”
Assistant Commissioner Wildman said the consequences of unsafe usage can be devastating, with 12 lives tragically lost on e-mobility devices in Queensland last year, with a further four fatalities recorded since the beginning of 2026.
“Tragically, we have seen first-hand the devastating impact serious, traumatic and fatal e-mobility crashes can have on the community, and far too often these incidents are linked to preventable actions,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
“Our message is simple – ride legally, wear a helmet, know the rules and make smart decisions.
“By doing so, you’re protecting yourself and others on our roads and pathways.”
Police remind all e-mobility users, including younger riders and their parents or guardians, to be aware of the rules and ride safely.
For more information about e-mobility laws and safety, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/.
