E-scooter riders will be subject to speed limits and random breath testing, and will need to be over 16 and licensed under new laws announced by the Queensland Government.
The Government said today that it had accepted in principle all 28 recommendations made by the Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility.
New e-scooter and e-bike laws to be introduced to Parliament this week will:
- Restrict e-mobility devices to over 16s and require e-mobility device riders to hold a valid license to ensure they have road rule knowledge and are capable of safe riding.
- Introduce speed limits (10km/h on footpaths, and 25km/h “unassisted”) to better protect pedestrians.
- Bring in penalties for riders to crack down on dangerous behaviors that contribute to serious injuries and fatalities.
- Give new powers for police to seize and destroy illegal devices, and the introduction of random breath testing for riders.
- Allow tougher action for retailers and suppliers who will now be held accountable for selling illegal devices.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Government had taken a “calm, methodical, evidence based approach” to the reforms.
He said the Committee’s report made it clear Queensland Police had been ill-equipped to enforce regulations.
“From the start, we said we would make the tough decisions to deliver nation leading reforms and get dangerous e-scooters and e-bikes off Queensland streets,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“Our reforms strike the right balance between keeping Queenslanders safe from those who do the wrong thing, while backing the Queenslanders who do the right thing.”
The full committee report is available here.
