Understanding e-scooter laws in QLD

The term 'e-micromobility' refers to small, lightweight personal mobility devices used for travelling short distances. They include e-bikes, electric skateboards and of course, e-scooters. They use rechargeable batteries and offer riders the benefit of a compact and novel form of transportation.

Here and abroad, e-micromobility devices such as e-scooters are growing in use and popularity based on certain benefits¹, including their:
 

• compact, lightweight design offering convenience and flexibility
• lowered environmental impact (when compared with larger transportation options)
• ability to help reduce traffic congestion in built-up, urban areas.

As e-scooters rise in popularity, so too have the number e-scooter related injuries. Last year, 12 people lost their lives in e-mobility related incidents in Queensland, and more than 6,300 presented to hospital with device-related injuries². Similar trends have occurred overseas, with one UCLA study³ finding that the injury rate for e-scooter riders in one section of Los Angeles was higher than the national rates for motorcyclists, cyclists, car drivers, and pedestrians in a 6-year period.

Considering the growing rate of e-mobility related incidents in Queensland and concern for public safety and wellbeing, stronger laws have been introduced, and will continue to roll out until 2027.

Earlier this year, the Queensland Government implemented tougher e-scooter (and e-bike) laws, to help prevent behaviour that puts lives at risk. Some of the new laws include:

• Police ability to seize and destroy illegal devices. For example, an e-scooter is illegal if it exceeds the allowable dimensions: 1,100mm in length (measured at the wheelbase), by 750mm in width, by 1,350mm in height.
• Police can conduct random breath tests to enforce drink riding for e-scooters and other personal mobility devices in public places. 0.05 Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) applies.
• 12km/h speed limits apply on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths.
• E-scooters and other e-micromobility devices can be ridden on roads, including on-road bike lanes, with a speed limit up to 60km/h. Riders can only reach a maximum speed of 25km/h.

And, as of 31 August this year, e-scooter riders must be 16 and licenced. Some exemptions apply for medical conditions and disability, as well as for younger people riding with adult supervision.

Finally, coming into effect from 28 February 2027, e-scooters purchased before 1 July 2026 must be limited to a maximum power output of 25km/h. Currently, some e-scooters are capable of reaching speeds up to 75km/h.

In addition to these changes in Queensland, the federal government has also called on the ACCC to develop nationally consistent safety standards for all e-micromobility devices to help address the increase in injuries and deaths, as well as fire-risk concerns related to low quality and improper lithium-ion battery use and storage.