Queensland to ban under-16s from e-bikes in major safety overhaul

The Queensland government is set to introduce laws in parliament this week banning children under 16 from riding e-bikes and e-scooters. 

The sweeping reforms follow a landmark parliamentary inquiry into a rising "safety crisis" that saw 12 people killed in e-mobility incidents last year and a 112 per cent surge in injuries over the last three years.

The state government's response to the inquiry is set to be released today, and it is expected to accept, or accept in principle, all 28 recommendations.

READ MORE: Hundreds of e-bike riders fined in major Sydney crackdown

Under the new legislation, the minimum age to operate any e-mobility device will be raised to 16.

Furthermore, all riders will be required to hold at least a Queensland learner licence to ensure they have a verified understanding of road rules. 

For more powerful devices capable of exceeding 25km/h, the requirements become even stricter, as these will be reclassified as motorcycles or mopeds.

This change means riders will need a specific motorbike licence, registration, and compulsory third-party insurance to operate them legally on the road.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg described the reforms as "nation-leading".

"We are banning under 16s from these devices because the safety of kids is paramount," he told the ABC.

"We've taken the time to get this right, and 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."

To protect pedestrians, the speed limit for e-mobility devices on footpaths will be slashed to 10km/h. 

A new offence will also be established for riding without due care and attention in the vicinity of pedestrians. 

Queensland Police will be granted significant new powers to enforce these rules, including the ability to conduct random breath tests on riders. 

For the first time, officers will also have the power to seize and potentially destroy illegal or modified devices on a first offence.

The reforms place a heavy emphasis on accountability, with the State Penalties Enforcement Registry authorised to pursue fines for 16- and 17-year-old riders. 

In cases where a child under 16 is caught breaching the rules, parents and guardians will be held legally responsible for the penalties. 

While the laws are comprehensive, exemptions will remain in place for e-wheelchair users to ensure continued accessibility for those with disabilities.

Retailers will also face stricter oversight under new anti-tampering laws that prohibit the sale of modification kits designed to increase a device's power or speed. 

The government plans to roll out an extensive education campaign alongside these changes to help the public navigate the new requirements, which are expected to be formally introduced to parliament this week.

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