E-bikes and scooters travelling faster than 25km/h in Douglas Shire may soon have to be ridden by a licensed rider and be registered under a raft of major changes recommended by a State Government parliamentary committee.

The committee’s report, handed down last week, also recommends banning under-16s from riding any recreational e-device and requiring a minimum of a learner’s licence to ride one.

Reducing the footpath speed limit to 10km/h, banning the sale of e-device modification kits, giving police the power to impound and destroy e-devices for a first offence, toughening penalties for not wearing helmets, and random breath testing of e-bike riders were also recommended.

Committee chair and MP Jim McDonald said 12 people had died in e-mobility-related incidents in Queensland in the past year and more than 6300 had ended up in hospital emergency departments.

“Preventing further tragedies must remain our priority,” he said.

“These devices offer clear advantages, including ease of access and convenience, but the negative impacts have become increasingly significant.”

The report stated the rising injury rates, illegal and unsafe devices on the roads, and challenges in enforcing laws were all taken into account when making the recommendations.

“There was strong community sentiment that the current situation is unsustainable and that measured and practical reform is required,” the report stated.