Queensland’s approach to regulating e-mobility devices, particularly for younger riders, has undergone significant shifts, with the government announcing a series of amendments to its proposed laws. Initially, a strict ban on children under 16 from riding these devices was on the table, stemming from a parliamentary inquiry that highlighted safety concerns. However, the latest proposals offer a more nuanced approach, allowing a tiered system for younger riders.
E-Mobility Laws: A Compromise for Young Riders
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg revealed that the government has amended its e-mobility legislation to permit individuals aged between 12 and 17 to operate e-mobility devices, provided they are under direct parental supervision. This move represents a significant departure from the initial proposal of a blanket ban for all under-16s.
For those aged 16 and above, the legislation will allow them to ride unsupervised, as long as they possess at least a learner’s permit. This distinction aims to balance the need for safety with the growing use of e-mobility devices. Crucially, parents can be held accountable and fined if a child under 16 is found to be riding an e-mobility device illegally.
Medical Professionals Express Concerns
The decision to loosen the age restrictions has drawn criticism from medical professionals. Dr. Erica Gannon, President of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, voiced her disappointment, stating that the revised plan feels like a “betrayal of children’s safety.” She argued that a straightforward ban would have provided clearer rules and avoided placing additional pressure and potential punishment on parents.
Dr. Gannon highlighted the consistent stream of preventable injuries seen in emergency departments due to e-mobility device accidents. “Emergency department physicians see the damage e-bikes and e-scooters cause and it’s no joke,” she remarked. The injuries range from cuts and bruises to more severe issues like missing teeth, head and facial trauma, and broken bones. Tragically, some incidents have been fatal, causing immense grief to families, communities, and healthcare staff. Dr. Gannon questioned the efficacy of the parliamentary inquiry if the resulting legislation sees minimal change.
Exemptions and Loopholes
The finalised bill includes provisions for individuals who may be unable to obtain a licence due to medical conditions or disabilities, offering them an exemption. Further amendments are also planned concerning the use of e-mobility devices on rail trails and mountain bike tracks, indicating a consideration for various recreational environments.
These adjustments follow recommendations from a committee that reviewed the initial bill, suggesting modifications to some of the government’s proposed changes.
Industry and Advocacy Perspectives
The cycling advocacy group Bicycle Queensland, through its chief executive Dr. Matthew Burke, expressed concerns that the new laws might make Queensland “the hardest place in the world” to ride a legal e-bike. Dr. Burke also pointed out that the legislation may not effectively address the “private property use only loophole,” which allows illegal e-bikes to be purchased and used on public roads, paths, and parks. He stressed the urgent need to halt the sale of such non-compliant devices.
Uber Eats, a major player in the delivery sector, also weighed in, emphasising the importance of a balanced approach between safety and accessibility. While supporting safety measures, the company is concerned that car-level licensing requirements could create barriers for delivery riders, impacting service reliability and delivery times. They advocate for targeted measures like education, action against non-compliant devices, and infrastructure investment as more effective safety solutions.
Speed Limit Revisions
A notable area of contention was the proposed 10 km/h speed limit on footpaths. Following community opposition, this has been revised. The new regulations will set a 12 km/h speed limit on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths. The general speed limit on shared paths will be 25 km/h.
Dr. Burke, while acknowledging the increase to 25 km/h on shared paths as an improvement, still voiced reservations, suggesting that the speed limits appear to be set without a thorough understanding of cycling dynamics.
Compliance and Implementation Timeline
Riders will have until the end of February 2027 to ensure their e-mobility devices comply with the new standards. E-scooters and personal mobility devices must be limited to 25 km/h, and e-bikes will need to meet the European Standard EN15194. An assurance scheme is being developed to assist owners in verifying their e-bikes’ compliance. The legislation also allows for both past and future versions of the European Standard to be recognised for compliance. This flexibility was welcomed by Dr. Burke, as it could save many safe e-bikes that might have been deemed non-compliant under the initial proposals.
The new laws are anticipated to come into effect from July 1, with the ban on unsupervised riding for under-16s and the licence requirements commencing on August 31. Shared e-mobility scheme providers will bear the responsibility of implementing measures, such as age verification, to ensure adherence to the new regulations.
Industry Support and Calls for Action
Neuron, a shared e-mobility provider, expressed its willingness to collaborate with the government and stakeholders. They stated, “Safety is fundamental to the success of shared e-mobility, and we support clear, consistent statewide regulations that improve outcomes for riders and the wider community — particularly measures addressing illegal and high-powered devices.”
Katey Bates from Amy’s Foundation, a cycling safety advocacy group, highlighted the necessity for these changes, especially in light of 12 fatalities involving e-mobility devices in Queensland last year. The foundation aims to remove illegal devices from roads and discourage dangerous behaviour, while encouraging families to use bikes for everyday transport like commuting to school.
Opposition and Future Considerations
Shadow Transport Minister Bart Mellish indicated that the Labor party’s support for the legislation would depend on their review of the amendments once tabled in parliament. He echoed concerns about the bill failing to address the core issue of illegal e-bike sales, which can still be used on private property.
Minister Mickelberg also stated his intention to encourage the federal government to expedite the introduction of a national product standard for e-bikes, which would simplify regulation and enforcement.
