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Nation-leading e-Mobility Laws to make Queensland safer

A woman rides an electric bicycle along the waterfront, wearing a purple coat and helmet, on a sunny day.
Photo: Robertk So/Pexels

The Crisafulli Government will deliver nation-leading e-mobility laws this week in response to widespread community concerns over the proliferation of illegal and high-powered devices throughout Labor’s decade of decline.  

From 1 July, there will be a crackdown of the most dangerous e-scooter and e-bike behaviours on roads and paths, that is putting the community at risk, with the full reforms to take effect from 31 August.

The stronger laws will deliver:

  • Police powers to seize and destroy illegal devices from July 1.
  • Police powers to conduct random breath tests for riders in public places from July 1.
  • E-bikes and scooters which can exceed 25km/h unassisted will be banned and 12km speed limits to apply near pedestrians, from July 1.
  • Higher penalties for speeding, failure to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding Personal Mobility Devices on prohibited roads from July 1.
  • Licensing requirements for riders, with exemptions for medical conditions and disabilities, and ability for 12-17 year olds to ride under parental supervision from August 31.
  • Parental accountability for children under 16 riding illegally, from July 1.

Riders over the 0.05 blood alcohol limit will face fines of more than $500, with maximum court penalties of up to $6,908.

Those aged 12-17 can use e-mobility devices with parental supervision, and those with a medical condition or disability who don’t have a licence will be able to use e-mobility devices under a medical exemption framework.

The Crisafulli Government has taken a methodical, evidence-based approach – informed by community feedback – and will deliver practical, enforceable reforms to make Queensland safer.

Throughout the process, it was clear the former Labor Government left Queensland Police ill-equipped to enforce regulations, while they introduced a botched subsidy scheme, wasting $2 million in taxpayers’ money to put illegal devices on the streets, and turned a blind eye to the rise of illegal high-powered devices.

As a result of the former Labor Government’s decisions, more than 6,000 injuries related to e-scooters were reported at Emergency Departments across 36 Queensland hospitals between 2022 and 2025.

“But we have also listened to the community, and will introduce provisions so those aged 12-17 and those with a medical condition or will be able to use e-mobility devices under certain conditions.

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