The Queensland Government has announced it will deliver “nation-leading” e-mobility laws this week in response to widespread community concerns over the proliferation of illegal and high-powered devices on the state’s streets.
From 1 July, there will be a crackdown of the most dangerous e-scooter and e-bike behaviours on roads and paths, with the full reforms to take effect from 31 August.
The stronger laws will deliver:
- Police powers to seize and destroy illegal devices from 1 July;
- Police powers to conduct random breath tests for riders in public places from 1 July;
- E-bikes and scooters which can exceed 25km/h unassisted will be banned and 12km speed limits to apply near pedestrians, from 1 July;
- Higher penalties for speeding, failure to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding Personal Mobility Devices on prohibited roads from 1 July;
- Licensing requirements for riders, with exemptions for medical conditions and disabilities, and ability for 12-17 year olds to ride under parental supervision from 31 August;
- Parental accountability for children under 16 riding illegally, from 1 July.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government was responding to concerns from the community around e-scooter and e-bike use in Queensland.
“When we first began this reform process, we said we would make the tough decisions to keep the community safe, after Labor failed to act on safety,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“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.
“Our reforms are based on extensive community and expert consultation, and they strike the right balance between making our streets safer from those who do the wrong thing, while backing those people who do the right thing.
“We promised to deliver nation-leading laws about who can ride, what they can ride, where they can ride, and how fast – and our laws do exactly that.”
Katherine Bates OLY, Managing Director of road safety organisation Amy’s Foundation, welcomed the focus on reducing harm.
“Of the 12 e-mobility deaths in Queensland last year, only one involved a legal e-bike. The harm comes from illegal, high-powered devices, and these laws are right to target that,” Ms Bates said.
“Queensland led the country on minimum passing distance laws more than a decade ago, and these reforms continue that work of putting safety first. We welcome the government acting on the evidence here.
“We look forward to the new regulations and to seeing that harm come down, supported by consistent enforcement, on e-mobility devices and on minimum passing distance laws alike.”
Under the new legislation, riders over the 0.05 blood alcohol limit will also 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 new rules state.
