Proposed Queensland e-bike speed limits should be toned down, committee recommends

A parliamentary inquiry has recommended the Queensland government soften its ebike reforms including limiting its controversial 10km/h speed limit to high pedestrian areas.

The proposed legislation introduced to combat community safety concerns required e-bike and e-scooter riders to be over 16 years old and hold a driver's licence, and would limit speeds on shared pathways to 10km/h.

A parliamentary committee has today made a series of recommendations, including that the speed limit of 10km/h only apply to footpaths in high pedestrian areas, and a limit of 15km/h apply to shared paths when the rider is within 10 metres of a pedestrian.

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Brisbane City Council CEO Kerrie Freeman was among those concerned that the 10km/h speed limit on shared paths would push more e-mobility riders onto the road and could pose issues with balance, while the RACQ called the measure "unnecessary".

The committee signed off on the age restriction but recommended an exemption to the licensing rule be made to ensure people who do not hold a driver's license due to disability, medical condition or age but who can still ride safely, are able to do so.

Disability advocates had raised concerns that the legislation could prevent people with disability, particularly young people, from taking part in active transport and public life.

Also recommended was a broadening of the definition of compliant emobility devices, exemptions for some modified and adaptive devices and an assurance scheme to provide a state-wide mechanism for certifying and labelling compliant bikes.

The RACQ, bicycle groups, disability advocates and a number of south-east Queensland councils had taken issue with aspects of the bill in its original form.

The government now has three months to consider the recommendations.

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