Recent changes to Queensland’s e-mobility laws mark an important step toward restoring balance on our roads, footpaths, and shared spaces.
The Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026 has now passed Parliament. These reforms are about ensuring that innovation in transport does not come at the expense of safety, community confidence, and common sense.
This legislation takes a measured, evidence-based approach. It introduces practical reforms that are clear, enforceable, and designed to respond directly to the concerns being raised by communities across Queensland.
At their core, the reforms are about accountability, safety, and giving authorities the tools they need to act.
Police now have stronger powers to deal with unsafe and illegal behaviour, including the ability to seize and destroy illegal or high-powered devices. These are not theoretical concerns. Instances of dangerous and illegal devices have already been observed in local communities, including in the Barron River electorate.
The legislation introduces a strengthened offence framework, with increased penalties for behaviours such as speeding, careless riding, failure to wear helmets, illegally carrying passengers, and riding in prohibited areas. Riders are now required to meet clearer standards, including minimum age requirements and licensing obligations, with appropriate exemptions where needed.
Importantly, random breath testing now applies to e-mobility users, bringing these devices into line with broader road safety expectations.
The laws also prioritise pedestrian safety. A 12 kilometre per hour speed limit applies on footpaths and when passing pedestrians, reinforcing that shared spaces must be safe for everyone.
Parental accountability has also been introduced, recognising that adults have a role to play in ensuring young people are using these devices safely and within the rules.
Throughout the consultation process, it was clear that community members had questions about how these changes would affect them.
Many parents were concerned their children would no longer be able to use e-mobility devices. Others raised concerns about commuting, particularly for those trying to manage rising costs or without access to a car.
These laws are not designed to disadvantage people doing the right thing.
Riders who follow the rules, use appropriate devices, and respect others will continue to use e-mobility safely and legally. In fact, these reforms are designed to support them by creating clearer expectations and safer environments.
The legislation also includes practical exemptions. Young people aged 12 to 17 can continue to ride under parental supervision. Individuals with medical conditions are supported through a dedicated exemption framework. Recreational settings such as rail trails and mountain bike tracks are also accommodated.
This is not about stopping families from enjoying their communities. It is about addressing unsafe and illegal behaviour.
Across Far North Queensland and beyond, communities have raised concerns about unsafe riding, property damage, and a lack of enforcement. These issues are not isolated.
In one local case, a golf club experienced more than $10,000 in damage within weeks due to e-bikes and scooters being ridden on greens. These are important community assets that require time and resources to maintain, and repeated damage puts their long-term viability at risk.
Beyond property damage, there are serious safety implications. Injuries related to e-scooters have been significant across Queensland, with thousands recorded in recent years and multiple fatalities reported in a single year alone.
Local stories reinforce the data. Community members have reported witnessing multiple accidents, vehicle damage, and near misses involving children riding unsafely. These incidents highlight the real-world consequences of weak regulation and lack of enforcement.
As a parent, these issues are not abstract. Many families have seen firsthand the risks involved, including serious injuries resulting from unsafe use of these devices.
These reforms represent a clear shift.
Previous settings failed to keep pace with the rapid uptake of e-mobility devices. Enforcement was limited, and in some cases, policy settings contributed to the problem by supporting the uptake of high-powered devices that were not appropriate for public spaces.
The new framework takes a different approach. It targets the behaviour and devices that pose the greatest risk, while supporting responsible users.
It is focused on outcomes. Safer streets, safer footpaths, and greater confidence for communities.
The new laws are being rolled out in stages, with key enforcement powers and penalties already in place and further measures coming into effect.
This is about setting clear expectations for how e-mobility devices are used in Queensland. It is about ensuring that shared spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone.
Most importantly, it is about responding to the concerns raised by the community and taking action where it is needed.
The passage of this legislation reflects a commitment to making Queensland safer.
It recognises that while e-mobility offers real benefits, it must be managed responsibly. Stronger rules, clearer accountability, and effective enforcement are essential to achieving that balance.
These reforms are not about restricting responsible users. They are about addressing the small minority whose behaviour puts others at risk and ensuring that safety remains the priority.
