A more than doubling of injuries related to personal e-mobility device (PMD) use in Queensland has sparked a Government inquiry.
State Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the Parliamentary Inquiry into the use of PMDs, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, aimed to improve safety and address community concerns.
Minister Mickelberg said the devices were replacing vehicles and being used more and more as a means of getting to work, education or to link with public transport.
He said this increased use had raised issues around public safety and most concerningly, incidents of injuries and fatalities are on the rise.
“There was a 112 percent rise from 2021 to 2024 in injuries to PMD riders, passengers, and pedestrians. Tragically, eight PMD users died last year.”
Minister Mickelberg said the Parliamentary Inquiry would focus on:
- The benefits of e-mobility devices.
- Safety risks.
- Current rules and how they compare with other jurisdictions.
- Enforcement approaches.
- Importation laws.
- Communication and education.
- Stakeholder views.
“The increase in injuries and deaths we are seeing because of unsafe and unlawful riding cannot be ignored and I share the community’s concern,” he said.
“We want to hear from community members, road use groups, disability advocates, health and trauma experts, academia, the E-mobility industry, and all levels of government.
“It’s important we consider all research and opinions, to ensure a safe and reliable future for e-scooters and e-bikes, especially as we welcome visitors from all over the world for the 2032 Games.”
