Queensland has introduced tougher laws for e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards, e-unicycles and other personal mobility devices.
The changes are aimed at reducing unsafe riding, illegal high-powered devices, footpath collisions and drink riding. The new laws affect riders, parents, sellers and anyone using an e-bike or e-scooter in a public place.
Police can seize and destroy illegal devices
From 1 July 2026, Queensland Police can seize and destroy illegal e-mobility devices.
This is particularly important for riders using modified e-bikes, high-powered scooters, or devices that can travel faster than the legal limit. A device that looks like an e-bike or e-scooter may still be unlawful if it has been altered, unlocked, or manufactured in a way that allows it to exceed the permitted speed or power limits.
Riders should check whether their device complies before using it in public.
Drink riding now carries real risk
From 1 July 2026, police can conduct Random Breath Tests on riders of e-bikes, bicycles, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices in public places.
The blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.05.
This means drink riding is not just a road-safety issue. A rider using an e-scooter, e-bike or bicycle after drinking may be stopped and tested by police. Riders should treat these devices seriously and avoid using them after consuming alcohol.
Devices faster than 25 km/h are banned
The new laws also target high-speed devices.
E-scooters and other personal mobility devices must be restricted so they cannot exceed 25 km/h. E-bike motors can only assist the rider up to 25 km/h.
An e-bike may be ridden faster than 25 km/h only if the extra speed comes from human pedal power. The motor must not continue to assist above 25 km/h.
This is an important distinction. A compliant e-bike is not the same as a small electric motorbike. If the motor can propel or assist the device beyond the legal limit, it may be illegal for use on public roads and paths.
New 12 km/h limits on footpaths and near pedestrians
From 1 July 2026, a 12 km/h speed limit applies on footpaths for e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices.
The same 12 km/h limit also applies when passing pedestrians on shared paths.
This is likely to be one of the most relevant changes for everyday riders, particularly on busy footpaths, coastal paths, school areas, shopping precincts and shared walkways.
Riders should slow down near pedestrians, give way where required, and avoid riding in a way that creates a risk of collision.
Where can e-scooters and similar devices be ridden?
From 1 July 2026, e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles can be ridden on roads, including on-road bike lanes, where the road has a speed limit of up to 60 km/h.
However, the rider’s maximum permitted speed remains 25 km/h.
This means that even where the device is allowed on the road, the rider cannot simply match the speed of surrounding traffic. The 25 km/h device speed limit still applies.
Higher penalties for unsafe riding
Higher penalties now apply for a range of offences, including:
- speeding
- failing to wear a helmet
- careless riding
- illegally carrying passengers
- riding an e-scooter, e-skateboard or e-unicycle on a prohibited road
These changes mean riders should not assume e-scooter or e-bike offences are minor. Police now have stronger enforcement powers, and penalties may apply for conduct that many riders previously treated casually.
Parents can be fined for underage riding
Parents also need to be aware of the new rules.
From 1 July 2026, parents can be fined for under-16s riding illegally.
This is especially relevant where a child is using an e-scooter, e-bike or other device that is too powerful, non-compliant, or being used in a way that breaches the road rules.
Parents should check the device, the rider’s age, where the device is being used, whether a helmet is worn, and whether supervision is required.
Rider age and licence rules from 31 August 2026
Further changes commence from 31 August 2026.
From that date, riders must generally be 16 and hold a licence. Some exemptions are expected to apply for medical conditions and disabilities, and 12 to 17 year olds may be able to ride under parental supervision in certain circumstances.
Families should be careful not to assume that because a child has previously ridden an e-scooter or e-bike, they can continue to do so in the same way after the new rules commence.
Compliance labelling for e-bikes
Compliance labelling for e-bikes will become mandatory by 28 February 2027.
This is intended to make it easier to identify whether an e-bike complies with the applicable legal requirements.
Anyone purchasing an e-bike should be cautious about online listings, imported devices, unlocked speed settings and devices advertised as suitable for “private property use” but then used on public roads or paths.
New and increased penalties:
- Not wearing a helmet – $518
- Doubling – $518
- Riding on a prohibited road – $518
- Careless riding – $518
- Speeding – $345 to $1,986 depending on speed
- Drink riding – $518 to $6,908 (maximum court imposed)
- Unsafe parking – $172
- Parents can be fined for children under 16 years riding illegally (illegal device, underage or unlicensed) – $518
What should riders do now?
Riders should take the following steps:
- check whether the device can exceed 25 km/h
- check whether the motor assists beyond 25 km/h
- do not ride after drinking alcohol
- wear a helmet
- slow to 12 km/h on footpaths and when passing pedestrians
- avoid carrying passengers illegally
- make sure children and teenagers are riding lawfully
- confirm whether the device is compliant before using it in public
The new laws are a clear warning that Queensland is moving away from informal treatment of e-scooters and e-bikes. Riders, parents and device owners should understand the rules before using these devices in public places.
If you have been charged, fined, or had a device seized, you should obtain legal advice about your options.
Source: https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/