Queensland Tightens E-Bike and E-Scooter Rules, Driver Licence Now Required

Darwin, September 02: Queensland has introduced strict new rules governing the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. From now on, people using these electric vehicles in public places will have to comply with a range of restrictions, including age limits, driver licensing requirements and speed limits.

The most significant change is that Queensland has become the first Australian state to require riders of e-bikes and e-scooters to hold at least a learner driver licence.

Under-16s Banned From Riding in Public
Under the new rules, people under the age of 16 will not be allowed to ride e-bikes in public places. However, limited exceptions have been introduced in certain circumstances, including situations where children are riding under parental supervision.

In addition, e-bikes and e-scooters will be subject to a maximum speed of 12 kilometres per hour in areas where pedestrians are nearby.

Illegal and High-Powered Vehicles to Be Seized
The use of electric vehicles that fail to meet prescribed safety and performance standards has also been restricted.

Police will have the authority to seize large or excessively powerful e-motorbikes that are already considered illegal.

The new rules mean that penalties will not necessarily be limited to riders. In certain circumstances, parents or guardians may also face fines if their children breach the regulations.

Penalties will also apply to riding an e-bike or e-scooter while intoxicated, speeding and violating other safety requirements.

Road Safety Concerns
The Queensland government and police say the new measures have been introduced to improve road safety. Concerns have grown in the state in recent years over road crashes and, in particular, the use of powerful electric vehicles.

In 2025, 306 people were killed in road crashes across Queensland, the highest annual road death toll in 16 years. So far in 2026, another 206 people have died in road crashes.

However, an important statistic has emerged in the debate over e-bike safety. Only one death linked to a crash involving a legal e-bike was recorded in 2025.

The figure has prompted some people to question whether such strict regulations are necessary for legal e-bike users.

Around 400 Illegal Electric Devices Seized
Queensland police have stepped up enforcement since the new regulations came into effect.

Police say they have seized around 400 illegal electric devices since 1 July.

According to police, the main purpose of the measures is not to target ordinary e-bike users, but to take action against illegal and excessively powerful vehicles and people who ride them recklessly or dangerously.

Cycling Groups Criticise the New Rules
Cycling and sustainable transport organisations have criticised the new regulations.

They argue that action against dangerous and illegal e-motorbikes is necessary, but at the same time, the new rules impose significant restrictions on people who use legal e-bikes safely.

There is particular concern about the ban on e-bike use by people under the age of 16.

Critics fear that many children who previously travelled to school by e-bike will no longer be able to do so. Instead, parents may have to drive them to school.

They argue that this could increase car use and traffic congestion while discouraging environmentally friendly forms of transport.

Concerns for Older People
The new rules could also create difficulties for older people.

Those who have given up their driver licences because of their age may need to obtain a learner driver licence again if they want to continue using an e-bike.

Critics say this could make e-bikes less accessible to older people who rely on them as an alternative means of transportation.

Other Australian States May Introduce Similar Rules
Following Queensland’s decision, other Australian states are also considering introducing new restrictions on the use of e-bikes and e-scooters.

New South Wales is considering introducing age restrictions, while the federal government is also planning measures to control the import of excessively powerful e-motorbikes.

However, many people in the industry and transport sector believe other states may not go as far as Queensland by making driver licences mandatory for e-bike and e-scooter riders.

Licensing Alone May Not Solve the Problem
Experts say regulations are necessary to ensure the safe use of e-bikes and e-scooters, but licensing alone cannot solve the entire problem.

They argue that equal attention should be given to safer cycling infrastructure, stronger vehicle safety standards and greater rider awareness and education.

The debate reflects the growing challenge for Australian authorities as e-bikes and e-scooters become increasingly popular as affordable and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional vehicles.

Source: The Guardian