Queensland’s government has made significant adjustments to its proposed legislation concerning e-mobility devices, particularly for younger riders. Initially slated to ban all children under 16 from using e-scooters and e-bikes, the updated plan now permits riders aged 12 to 17 to use these devices, provided they are under direct parental supervision. This revision comes after considerable debate and feedback following the tabling of the proposed laws, which were initially recommended by a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety.
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg announced the amendments, which are anticipated to pass through state parliament this week. The new framework aims to strike a balance between safety and accessibility. Under the revised laws, individuals aged 16 and above will be permitted to ride e-mobility devices without direct supervision, provided they possess at least a learner’s permit. Crucially, parents could face fines if their children under 16 are found to be riding these devices in contravention of the new regulations.
Concerns Raised by Medical Professionals
The decision to permit supervised riding for younger teenagers has drawn sharp criticism from medical bodies. Erica Gannon, President of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, expressed her disappointment, stating that the move felt like a compromise on children’s safety.
“This decision puts us right back where we started, with children being injured and killed,” Dr Gannon stated. She argued that a straightforward ban would have offered clearer guidelines, whereas the current approach places additional pressure and potential punishment on parents.
Doctors in Queensland have voiced their frustration over the recurring influx of preventable injuries stemming from e-mobility device accidents.
- Emergency department physicians regularly witness the severe consequences of e-bike and e-scooter incidents.
- Common injuries include cuts, bruises, lost teeth, significant head and facial trauma, and broken bones.
- Tragically, some accidents result in fatalities, causing immense grief to the victims’ families and communities, as well as distress for hospital staff involved.
Dr Gannon questioned the efficacy of the parliamentary inquiry if the resulting legislation offered minimal substantive changes to protect young riders.
Exemptions and Device Compliance
The finalised bill includes provisions for individuals who may be unable to obtain a license due to medical conditions or disabilities. Additionally, adjustments have been made regarding the use of e-mobility devices on rail trails and mountain bike tracks, following recommendations from a committee that reviewed the initial bill.
However, Bicycle Queensland’s chief executive, Dr Matthew Burke, expressed concerns that the new regulations could make Queensland one of the most restrictive places globally for legal e-bike use, while potentially failing to curb the sale and use of illegal devices.
“They are not shutting down the private property use only loophole,” Dr Burke commented, referring to the ability for unregistered or non-compliant devices to be purchased and used on private land. “People are buying these and using them on our streets, our paths and in our parks. The sale of those devices has to stop.”
Balancing Safety and Accessibility for Delivery Services
A spokesperson for Uber Eats highlighted the importance of reforms that achieve a “right balance” between safety and accessibility. While acknowledging the need for safety measures, the company raised concerns that car-level licensing requirements for e-bike riders could create significant hurdles for delivery personnel. Such measures, they suggested, could impact service reliability, lengthen delivery times, and reduce access for customers and local businesses. The spokesperson advocated for targeted, proportionate measures like education, enforcement against non-compliant devices, and infrastructure investment as more effective safety solutions.
Speed Limit Revisions
The proposed 10 km/h speed limit on footpaths had met with significant public opposition. The government has since revised this, establishing a 12 km/h speed limit for footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths. The general speed limit on shared paths will be 25 km/h.
“We promised to deliver nation-leading laws, and that is exactly what we will be doing this week,” Minister Mickelberg stated.
Dr Burke noted that while the increase to 25 km/h on shared paths was an improvement, he questioned the rationale behind it, suggesting it reflected a lack of understanding of cycling dynamics.
Compliance Deadlines and Standards
Riders will have until the end of February 2027 to ensure their e-mobility devices comply with the new standards. Specifically, e-scooters and personal mobility devices must be limited to 25 km/h, and e-bikes must meet the European Standard EN15194.
To assist owners, an assurance scheme is being developed to help verify e-bike compliance. The legislation will also be amended to recognise both current and past versions of the European Standard, a move welcomed by Dr Burke as it will allow many safe e-bikes, initially deemed non-compliant, to remain legal.
The new laws are expected to take effect from July 1, with the ban on unsupervised riding for under-16s and the licensing requirements commencing on August 31.
Shared E-Mobility Schemes and Enforcement
Responsibility for ensuring compliance with the new laws will fall on shared e-mobility scheme providers, who will be required to implement measures such as age verification.
A spokesperson for Neuron expressed their readiness to collaborate with the government and stakeholders, emphasising that safety is paramount for shared e-mobility. They support clear, consistent statewide regulations that benefit riders and the community, particularly those addressing illegal and high-powered devices.
Katey Bates, Managing Director of Amy’s Foundation, a cycling safety advocacy group, highlighted the urgent need for these changes following the tragic deaths of 12 people in Queensland in e-mobility incidents last year.
“What we are targeting through this is making sure the illegal devices are off our roads and that poor and dangerous behaviour is not tolerated,” Ms Bates said. “We are not targeting the families riding their bikes to school, we encourage that and hope these measures increase safety for them.”
Shadow Transport Minister Bart Mellish indicated that Labor’s support for the legislation would depend on their review of the amendments, which had not yet been presented to parliament or the public. He echoed concerns that the bill might not adequately address the core issue of illegal e-bike sales and their continued use on private property.
Minister Mickelberg indicated he would urge the federal government to expedite the introduction of a national product standard to simplify the regulation and enforcement of what constitutes a legal e-bike.
