VANESSA HALL  
EDITOR  

Queensland’s peak motoring group, as well as the peak bicycle advocacy body, have called on the Queensland Government to toughen their laws around e-bikes and their sale following two tragic deaths in just the last week.

When asked if the State Government would look at urgently amending laws to reform e-bike safety, the Premier responded that whilst he was deeply saddened by the recent deaths, they would not be making any changes until the findings of the E-mobility Safety Inquiry are tabled by the end of March 2026.

“I’m genuinely sad for what’s happened, and I know all Queenslanders are too,” Premier Crisafulli said.”

“I want Queenslanders to know that change is coming, and we are taking this so seriously, we’ve got everyone from across both sides of politics on that powerful committee to go and drive change, and change is coming.”

The E-mobility Safety Inquiry, which was launched by the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee, is examining the safety, regulation, and future of personal e-mobility devices (PMDs) such as e-scooters and e-bikes across the state.

Queenslanders were asked to submit feedback up until June 20 of this year.

Until that inquiry is handed down, the state will continue to “enforce the law.”

“Where there are illegal bikes, for example, Police have the ability to go and charge them, and that is obviously something that must continue, and the fact that we have put on more Police gives them a greater chance to do this,” Premier Crisafulli said.

Despite calls from across the state for urgent change, the Premier was steadfast that this was not going to happen until the report is tabled.

“I have one message for Queenslanders, when we get that report, we are going to act on it,  and we are going to make the changes which have been put in the too-hard basket for ten years.”

Be aware of what you are buying
From 2021 to 2024, injuries involving PMDs more than doubled, and tragically, eight lives were lost last year alone.

Bicycle Queensland, which is the peak advocacy body for cyclists in Queensland, stated that they want the community to be aware of what they are buying, especially with Christmas fast approaching.

“Don’t buy your kids an illegal e-motorbike,” BQ CEO Professor Matt Burke said.

“The recent deaths, while children are using illegal e-motorbikes on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast have been pretty concerning.

“Bicycle Queensland was advocating for appropriate regulation enforcement over a year ago, having written to the Transport Minister earlier this year. Since then, we have made our submissions to the inquiry.”

BQ said that more needs to be done to stop the importation of illegal bikes, which the Federal Government controls and that they fully support the sale and use of bikes that meet Queensland safety regulations.

“If you’re talking to your friends, to your family, whoever it is, can you just tell people don’t buy your kids an illegal motorbike for Christmas.

“It’s quite likely, after the inquiry – maybe even beforehand – that people will have these vehicles impounded.”

The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) has simply said that “enough is enough.”

“Any motorised vehicle that can travel more than 6km per hour without pedalling is not a bicycle – it’s an illegal motorcycle, and it should be treated as one,” Rod Camm, Chief Executive Officer of MTA Queensland, said.

“Instead, we have children riding high-powered, unregulated machines with no safety standards, no registration, no insurance, and no training. It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, and it’s killing people,” he added.

“With Christmas approaching, e-mobility devices will be a popular gift for children,” Mr Camm said.

“When unsafe vehicles are allowed to operate unchecked, people get hurt. It’s that simple. The government must act now – confiscate them and prosecute those selling them.”