Councils, RACQ oppose license, speed e-bike restrictions in Queensland

Two proposed restrictions on e-bikes in Queensland have been junked by a number of local councils and the RACQ.

The proposed rules would require e-bike and e-scooter riders to be over 16 years old and hold a driver's license, and would limit speeds on shared pathways to 10km/h.

The Queensland government introduced the legislation following a parliamentary inquiry into safety concerns around e-mobility devices, which reported back last month.

LIVE UPDATES: Trump rips into NATO, the Pope as US blockade 'fully implemented'

RACQ General Manager Advocacy Joshua Cooney said the club broadly supported the bill but took issue with the licensing and speed limit restrictions.

"RACQ believes that imposing a universal 10km/h speed limit is unnecessary," Cooney said.

"Community concern surrounding e-mobility largely focuses on close interactions, near misses, and unsafe riding behaviour, rather than speed itself.

"We also believe additional licencing requirements are not needed as riding an e-mobility device in low-speed areas is vastly different to complex traffic environments."

The peak motoring body has proposed a stand-alone e-mobility road rules and safety assessment.

Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan and Noosa councils raised concerns with the same restrictions.

Brisbane City Council CEO Kerrie Freeman noted a licensing requirement would discourage e-bike use in young people, tourists and people with health or disability issues.

She said e-mobility devices extended the reach of public transport and helped manage road congestion.

"Getting more people to ride and walk is critical for an urban city with a mature road network," she said.

Freeman also noted reducing speed limits on shared pathways further from 12km/h to 10km/h could push more e-bike riders onto the road.

"The 10km/h speed is closer to a fast walking speed and further from a road-vehicle speed," Freeman said, adding it also posed challenges for balance.

Transport and Main Roads guidelines state bicycles can become "unstable" when ridden below 11km/h and note bicycle riders can "travel comfortably" in good conditions at between 15-25kmh with "minimum risk" to pedestrians.

"Council is concerned... that by lowering speed limits on footpaths this will incentivise increased riding on-road by (e-mobility devices), even where there is no dedicated or separated infrastructure provision for them," Freeman said.

FUEL CRISIS: Petrol shock sends consumer confidence plummeting to near-COVID low

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council agrees the licensing restriction excludes international tourists from using e-mobility devices and prevents families with children from participating in some guided experiences.

Disability advocates such as Queenslanders With Disability Network want to ensure the legislation does not disadvantage people with disability, particularly young people, from taking part in active transport and public life.

"There are people who may not be medically fit to operate a motor vehicle but can safely operate an e-mobility device," the submission reads.

The legislation is however, largely supported by Vision Australia, which has also called for e-bikes to be fitted with an acoustic alerting system, so that vision-impaired pedestrians can hear approaching e-riders.

The submission by the City of Gold Coast council claims the main issue is posed by reckless driving on illegal e-motorbikes, not pedal e-bikes.

Bicycle Queensland and other cycling groups want to see all licensing, speed limits and age limits dropped with more focus on illegal devices.

Transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg said the government was making "tough decisions to deliver nation-leading reforms".

The legislation is before a committee, which will consider all submissions before reporting back in May.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here