The big problem with Queensland's new E-bike laws
Queensland now has some of the world’s toughest laws on e-bikes and e-scooters, with new restrictions coming into effect this morning.
Under the updated laws, it is now illegal for any E device, whether it be an e-bike, a scooter or a skateboard, to go over 25km/h and if sharing the footpath with pedestrians, they must lower the speed to 12km/h.
Dr Maria Boulton said Queensland's new E-bike laws need to be strengthened. Today
Another big change is operators will be required to have a licence and those aged 12 to 17 can still ride as long as they have parental supervision.
But Australian Medical Association Queensland President, Dr Maria Boulton, told Today she doesn’t believe the changes go far enough.
“We would have liked to have seen the laws strengthen, Boulton told Today.
“We believe that children under 16 should not be allowed to ride these devices, because we don’t think they have the spatial awareness and also the knowledge of road rules to actually keep safe, above all, they’re the ones that we’re trying to protect.”
For younger riders who are caught doing the wrong thing, parents will be fined $518 and police will also have greater powers to carry out random breath testing as well as destroy illegal devices.
“The whole purpose of these laws is to protect our children and basically, what they’ve looked at is limiting the speed, limiting the age of children that can use these devices and also looking at enforcing helmet use and of course, ensuring that people who are riding these devices aren’t drunk or aren’t over the limit when it comes to alcohol,” Boulton said.
“We see at least one child every day in our emergency departments with injuries that can be long-lasting for example, head injuries, broken bones, broken teeth and we’ve even seen deaths and these are more common in children.”
Changes to Queensland’s E-bike laws
Speed Limits: Motor assistance cuts out at 25 km/h and on footpaths and shared paths, your total speed must not exceed 12 km/h.
Age & Licensing: You must be 16 or older and hold a valid driver licence to ride on public roads and paths. A learner’s permit counts. Ages 12-17 can ride without a licence if supervised by an adult.
Helmets: You must always wear an approved helmet, fastened correctly.
Alcohol:Drink-driving limits (Blood Alcohol Concentration under 0.05) apply, and police can randomly test you.
Compliance Label: By February 28, 2027, your e-bike must have a label proving it meets safety standards (like the EN15194 standard).
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