Vanessa Hall  
Editor  

FROM JULY 1, the toughest e-mobility laws in Australia came into effect, with the Crisafulli Government delivering their e-mobility reforms to make Queensland safer and curb community concerns over the rapid rise in illegal and high-powered e-bikes.

Between 2022 and 2025, more than 6,000 people were treated in Queensland emergency departments for e-scooter-related injuries.

Police now have stronger powers to stop, inspect and seize illegal high-powered e-bikes and e-scooters, particularly those that have been modified or exceed legal power and speed limits.

Riders will face heavier fines for offences such as speeding, riding without a helmet, carrying passengers when not permitted, drink or drug riding, and using illegal devices on public roads and paths.

The reforms also tighten rules around the sale and use of non-compliant e-mobility devices and, following community consultation, the state amended the laws to allow 12 to 17-year-olds to continue using e-mobility devices with parental supervision.  People with certain medical conditions or disabilities who don’t hold a driver’s licence can apply for an exemption allowing them to ride.

Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the legislation had been shaped by extensive public consultation.

“The Crisafulli Government took a methodical, evidence-based approach – informed by community feedback – to deliver these laws which are practical and enforceable.”

POLICE STEP UP ENFORCEMENT 
To coincide with the new laws, Queensland Police have launched Operation Surety to target dangerous riders, illegal high-powered devices, speeding, drink riding, and helmet offences.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said Queenslanders had made it clear they wanted action on dangerous e-mobility behaviour.

“For too long, illegal high-powered devices and reckless riders have been allowed to terrorise Queensland communities while the former Government sat on its hands,” Minister Purdie said.

“The free ride is over – if you’re riding an illegal device, putting pedestrians at risk or treating public spaces like your own racetrack, expect to be caught.

“The Crisafulli Government is giving police the tools they need to crack down on dangerous behaviour and make Queensland safer.”

Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said the operation represents QPS’ commitment to keeping all road users safe – including riders of e-mobility devices.

“Queensland police have witnessed a rapid rise in the use of e-mobility devices across Queensland, and while they offer convenience, they must be used safely and lawfully,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.

“We want all riders to understand that rules exist for a reason, and dangerous behaviours and non-compliant devices place not just the rider, but the entire community, at risk of tragic crashes, injuries and death.”

INDUSTRY BACKS REFORMS 
The new laws have been welcomed by the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA QLD), which is the peak industry body representing employers across Queensland’s automotive retail, repair and service sectors, and says tougher laws will help remove illegal, high-powered devices from Queensland roads and create a fairer marketplace for legitimate retailers.

CEO Rod Camm said reputable businesses had long been competing against retailers selling non-compliant imported devices that often failed to meet Australian standards.

“For too long, high-powered and non-compliant devices have been entering the market unchecked,” Mr Camm said.

“These reforms are about restoring confidence – for consumers, for industry, and for regulators. When unsafe products are removed from the market and enforcement is real, reputable businesses can compete fairly, and consumers can trust what they are buying.”

NEW LAWS AND FINES 
Key reforms include:
Police powers to seize and destroy illegal devices
A ban on e-bikes and scooters capable of exceeding 25km/h unassisted, with 12km/h speed limits applying near pedestrians
Higher penalties for speeding, failure to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers, and riding Personal Mobility Devices on prohibited roads
Parental accountability for children under 16 riding illegally

New and increased penalties: 
Not wearing a helmet – $518
Doubling – $518
Riding on a prohibited road – $518
Careless riding – $518
Speeding – $345 to $1,986 depending on speed
Drink riding – $518 to $6,908 (maximum court imposed)
Unsafe parking – $172
Parents can be fined for children under 16 years riding illegally (illegal device, underage or unlicensed) – $518