Kids to be banned from riding e-mobility devices in Qld under proposed laws

By Alex Brewster

Topic:State and Territory Government

Reforms to be introduced to state parliament this week will ban children under the age of 16 from using e-mobility devices. (ABC News)

In short:

The Queensland government will accept, or accept in-principle, 28 recommendations made by a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices.

The recommendations include banning the use of e-mobility devices for children under 16, reducing the speed limit on footpaths to 10 km/h and giving police the power to randomly breath test riders.

What's next?

The reforms will be introduced to state parliament this week.

All e-scooter and e-bike riders will need at least a learner licence before getting behind the handlebars, under sweeping reforms to be introduced to state parliament this week.

The government will accept, or accept in-principle, all 28 recommendations made by a parliamentary inquiry earlier this month, aimed at improving safety and regulations.

Under the legislation, e-mobility users will need to be at least 16 years old and at least hold a Queensland learner licence.

The parliamentary inquiry proposed the changes in a bid to ensure riders had a "sound understanding" of Queensland's road rules.

E-wheelchair users will be exempted.

The cost of a three-year learner licence is $77.55.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the government was delivering "nation-leading reforms".

"We are banning under 16s from these devices because the safety of kids is paramount," he said.

"We want to ensure that this legislation both facilitates the safe use of e-mobility devices but prevents unsafe and illegal use."

Mr Mickelberg said those aged over 16 who hold an international or interstate drivers licence that is equivalent to a Queensland learner licence would be permitted to ride.

He said it would be incumbent on e-mobility share providers to ensure those using the devices meet the requirements.

Footage of groups of children riding e-scooters in Brisbane has been shared widely on social media. (Supplied)

Mr Mickelberg said he understood the requirement for riders to hold a learners licence would "disadvantage" those who use e-mobility devices but are unable to drive.

"However it's important to note those who have a disability and are able to use an aid to mobility right now, regardless of whether that's powered by an electric motor or otherwise, will still be able to do so," he said.

Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg told parilament the government would review each recommendation. (ABC News: Tobi Loftus)

More powerful devices, with a top speed above 25km/h, will be classed as a motorcycle or moped, meaning they can only be used on a road and require registration and insurance.

On footpaths, the speed limit for e-devices will be reduced to 10km/h and a new offence created, making it illegal to ride in the vicinity of a pedestrian without due care and attention.

Parents or guardians of minors who incur penalties related to e-devices will be able to be pursued for fines.

Queensland Police will have the power to randomly breath test riders, seize and impound illegal devices on a first offence, and dispose of or destroy a vehicle.

Parents or guardians of minors who incur penalties will be able to be pursued for fines, under the reforms. (ABC News)

Other recommendations include strategies to better manage lithium battery disposal, more stringent regulation for retailers selling e-mobility devices, anti-tampering laws to prohibit modifications, and an education campaign.

The inquiry was launched in May last year, with 12 people dying in e-mobility-related incidents in Queensland in 2025, and more than 6,300 people presenting to hospitals injured.

More than 1,200 submissions were made with more than 140 witnesses across the state.

Mr Mickleberg said it was the government's intention the laws would come into effect from July 1, subject to the parliamentary process, with a six-month transition period for people to comply with the changes.

Ban to have 'huge' impact on riding to school

The parents' association of a Gold Coast high school said the proposed laws were "really concerning" and would have a significant impact on families.

Palm Beach Currumbin State High recently launched the state's first school-based e-bike program, making training compulsory for students who ride the devices to school.

Once they complete the course, students are issued a number plate that must be displayed on their e-bikes if they want to park on school grounds.

Kaylee Campradt, the president of the school's parents' association, said more than 400 students currently get to the school via e-bikes.

"It's just become part of the norm for so many kids that are in high school now," she said.

She said the school's e-bike safety program would continue to be an "interim step" until the proposed legislation is rolled out.

"The impact is going to be huge," she said.

"There's going to be a period where there's going to be a lot of policing having to be done to enforce this."

Advocate says licence mandate 'overreach'

Bicycle Queensland chief executive Matthew Burke said the proposed laws placed an "awful" burden on police resources.

"There is no mechanism to get the illegal devices that started this whole inquiry, off the street," he said.

"We're going to be left with these devices."

Matthew Burke says requiring e-bike riders to hold a licence could have unintended consequences for food delivery services. (ABC News: Liz Pickering)

He said the proposed laws treated riders of safe, legal devices the same as those using high-powered, illegal ones.

"They're rushing it off to parliament before we can even get our submissions in — there is no consultation process," he said.

Dr Burke said there were positives to the proposed laws, including moves to address the "egregious" sale of illegal devices by some retailers, but that licensing riders is a "big overreach".

He said the learner permit requirement could have unintended consequences for food delivery services and people with a disability who can ride but not drive.

"[It's] a lazy way to enforce the e-motorbike menace with the kids," he said.

"They are curtailing the right to ride for an awful lot of people."

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