Massive law changes from July 1 for e-bike and e-scooter riders
Shire stransport
E-bike and e-scooter riders are facing a seismic shift in the way they are used in Queensland from July 1 after the State Government introduced a raft of new laws to parliament last week.
The changes include restricting the riding of e-devices to over-16s with some form of transport licence, speed limits of 10km/h on footpaths and 25km/h everywhere else, new powers for police to seize and destroy e-devices, big fines for parents who allow their under-16 children to ride them, random breath testing and tougher penalties for not wearing helmets and carrying an extra passenger.
Many of the new fines for individual riders and parents of under-16 children range from a minimum of about $330 to a maximum of about $6700.
New hooning offences will also be introduced in an effort to crack down on e-bikers organising meets where they film themselves riding illegally and then post them on social media.
Riding without due care, such as weaving around, riding too closely to others, and failing to alert walkers before overtaking, will attract fines of about $500, according to the Government.
And parking e-devices in a hazardous or obstructive manner will also be an offence, with council rangers and police having the ability to issue these fines.
Premier David Crisafulli said the changes have been brought in after more than 6000 injured riders wound up in hospital Emergency Departments from 2022-25.
“We promised we’d take action on e-bikes and e-scooters,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“These reforms will help make Queensland safer.”
Retailers face fines of up to about $6700 for a first offence for selling e-devices to under-16s and selling non-compliant devices, while laws are also being changed to force e-bikes to have a maximum speed of 25km/h.
Those caught modifying their e-bikes and e-scooters face huge fines and their devices can be confiscated and destroyed by police.
There will be a six-month transition period from the point the legislation takes effect on July 1, with the new fine regime expected to be implemented on January 1, 2027.
Industry body Bicycle Queensland chief executive Dr Matthew Burke said the organisation supported about 90 per cent of the changes, but strongly opposed new speed limits, licensing and age limits.
“Any reforms must protect the right of Queenslanders to ride safe, legal bicycles and e-bikes without unnecessary barriers – this is not the time to make safe cycling harder or less appealing,” said Dr Burke.
There will be “sweeping and unintended consequences across Queensland’s transport, tourism and delivery sectors”, according to BQ.
E-bike hire schemes could be wiped out, international tourists will not be able to hire an e-bike and e-bike food delivery will be affected, it said.
And people with suspended car licences will no longer be legally allowed to ride e-devices, while 16-year-olds not carrying IDs can have their e-devices impounded and destroyed.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg told State Parliament last week the government had a “clear mandate to restore safety”.
“In recent years we have seen a steady proliferation in illegal, high-powered devices on our roads and footpaths,” he said.
“Tragically, 12 people lost their lives in e-device related incidents last year alone - several of them children.
“These are not just statistics; they are lives lost, families shattered and communities left grieving.
“Queenslanders are tired of unsafe and illegal e-device use.”
Access to roads with speed limits of up to 60km/h will be expanded to encourage e-riders to move off footpaths and onto roads under the new legislation.