Queensland police have seized more than 100 electric scooters and bicycles since news laws came into effect on July 1.
Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said under Operation Yankee Surety police across the state had monitored those riding e-mobility devices, such as e-bikes, and personal mobility devices (PMDs), such as e-scooters.
Assistant Commissioner Wildman said more than 100 non-compliant devices had been seized and more than 420 traffic infringement notices issued for failing to adhere to the road rules this month.
He said the operation enforced new legislative changes to e-mobility devices and their usage, with a focus on enforcing the new speed and alcohol limits for e-mobility devices and their riders; seizing dangerous and non-compliant devices; and ensuring safe riding behaviours through deterrence and enforcement.
“Among those whose devices were seized was a 16-year-old Sunshine Coast boy, who Kawana Waters Police intercepted after they observed him run a red light, perform a wheel stand and weave through traffic on an on Nicklin Way, Buddina.”
Assistant Commissioner Wildman said police had also conducted more than 120 roadside breath tests on e-mobility riders, resulting in seven riders being charged with drink driving.
“Operation Yankee Surety is about detecting, intercepting and deterring dangerous riding behaviours, and making it clear to Queenslanders that unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated.
“It is disappointing to see more than 450 infringements issued for reckless riding in just under two weeks. However, this reinforces how important it is that our officers are out every day disrupting these dangerous behaviours and ensuring riders understand their responsibility while making our roads and public spaces safe.”
New e-mobility laws
Under new laws introduced from July 1, 2026:
- Police can seize illegal devices.
- Roadside Breath Tests by police will enforce drink riding for riders of e-bikes, bicycles, e-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices in public places. 0.05 BAC applies.
- Devices faster than 25km/h will be banned. E-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices must be restricted so they can’t exceed 25km/h. E-bike motors can only assist up to 25km/h. E-bikes can only be ridden faster under human pedal power.
- 12km/h speed limits will apply on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths for e-bikes, e-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices.
- E-scooters, e-skateboards or e-unicycles can be ridden on roads, including on-road bike lanes, with a speed limit of up to 60km/h. Riders can only go to a maximum speed of 25km/h.
- Parents will be fined for under 16s riding illegal devices.
From August 31, 2026:
- Riders must be 16 with a licence. Some exemptions for medical conditions and disabilities, and the ability for 12–17-year-olds to ride under parental supervision will apply.
From February 28, 2027:
- Compliance labelling for e-bikes will be mandatory.
