Queenslanders aged 16 and older are now required to hold at least a valid learner's license to ride e-bikes, e-scooters, and other covered e-mobility devices in public areas. This new rule took effect on August 31, 2026, as part of a broader crackdown on e-mobility devices in the state.
The updated regulations stipulate that individuals aged 12 to 17 can still ride these devices if they are under the supervision of a parent or caregiver. Exemptions to the licensing requirements apply to designated recreational areas, such as mountain bike trails, where age limits are not enforced. People with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from obtaining a license are also exempt.
This licensing requirement is part of a wider initiative that began on July 1, introducing stricter penalties and enhanced police authority to confiscate non-compliant devices and conduct random breath tests on riders. Queensland Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Rhys Wildman emphasized that e-mobility devices are considered vehicles and must be operated safely and legally under Queensland's road rules.
The implementation of these rules follows a recent incident where a 13-year-old boy died from injuries sustained in an e-scooter crash, which renewed calls for more stringent age restrictions. Associate Professor Erica Gannon, President of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, commented that children under 16 may lack the necessary skills to operate these devices safely, particularly in mixed traffic environments with vehicles, other riders, and pedestrians.
E-mobility devices are subject to a speed limit of 25 km/h, with e-bike motors limited to providing assistance up to this speed. A 12 km/h speed limit is enforced on footpaths, and riders must reduce their speed to this limit when passing pedestrians on shared paths. All riders are mandated to wear an approved helmet. Police are authorized to perform random breath tests and seize non-compliant devices. More severe penalties are in place for offenses such as speeding, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers, and riding under the influence of alcohol.