The Queensland Government has recommended banning children under 16 from riding e-bikes and e-scooters and also requiring riders to hold at least a learner’s licence in a report tabled on March 4 as part of the Inquiry into e-mobility safety and use in Queensland.
The parliamentary inquiry, established in May 2025, was launched in response to a growing number of crashes, injuries and fatalities linked to dangerous riding, illegal devices and regulatory gaps that allow non-compliant devices to be imported and used in the state.
One of the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee’s key concerns was the widespread use of e-mobility devices by children.
“Experts advised the committee that children under 16 often lack the cognitive and motor skills required to safely operate powered devices in dynamic environments,” the report states.
“Limited understanding of road rules further elevates their risk.”
The committee made 28 recommendations addressing safety, lithium-ion battery fire risks, retail regulation, enforcement and public education.
Call to action
One recommendation is to amend legislation so that e-mobility devices can only be ridden by individuals aged 16 and over, who must hold at least a Queensland Class C learner licence obtained through completion of the PrepL learning and assessment program.
The committee also proposed that any device capable of exceeding a top speed of 25km/h be classified as a motorcycle, meaning riders would need to hold an appropriate driver’s licence.
In addition, the committee recommended changes to allow the Queensland Police Service to seize and impound illegal devices on the first offence, including the power to dispose of or destroy them.
Community awareness
The report also highlighted education as a critical component of improving safety.
The committee said rider and community education “is key to making devices safer” and encouraged the implementation of a broad public education campaign outlining Queensland’s e-mobility rules and any future changes to them.
Local perspective
Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause MP said the new recommendations reflect growing safety concerns in the region.
“I can certainly relate to the safety concerns for all parties: the riders, pedestrians and others who are adversely affected,” Mr Krause added.
“These recommendations are about ensuring personal mobility device users ride responsibly and keeping our communities safe.”
The full report is available on the Queensland Parliament website.
