Road rules: New Queensland e-bike and e-scooter laws
What’s changed?
Speed limits have tightened: Riders must not exceed 12km/h on footpaths or when passing pedestrians on shared paths. Devices are also required to be restricted to a maximum speed of 25km/h. For e-bikes, motor assistance must cut out at 25km/h.Drink riding law enforcement: Police can conduct random breath testing of people riding e-bikes, bicycles, e-scooters and other PMDs in public places, with the same 0.05 BAC limit used for drivers.
Police have stronger enforcement powers: Police can seize and destroy illegal devices, targeting high-powered or non-compliant e-mobility vehicles.
Road access has expanded: E-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles can now be ridden on roads, including on-road bike lanes, where the road speed limit is up to 60km/h, although riders themselves must still not exceed 25km/h.
Devices faster than 25km/h banned: E-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices must be restricted so they can’t exceed 25km/h. E-bike motors can only assist up to 25km/h.
New licensing requirements
From 31 August 2026, riders of e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles must be 16 and hold a valid driver licence (including a learner licence). Some exemptions* for medical conditions and disabilities, for 12 to 17-year-olds riding with adult supervision, and for people riding in designated recreational areas will apply.Higher penalties
Riders can now face substantial fines for unsafe behaviour, including:
- Not wearing a helmet – $518
- Carrying a passenger (‘doubling’) – $518
- Riding on a prohibited road – $518
- Careless riding – $518
- Speeding – $345 to $1,986, depending on the offence
- Drink riding – $518 up to $6,908 (court-imposed maximum)
- Unsafe parking – $172
- Parents can be fined for children under 16 years riding illegally (illegal device, underage or unlicensed) – $518.
Looking ahead
Compliance labelling for e-bikes will become mandatory by 28 February 2027, helping riders and authorities identify legal, compliant devices.
Visit the Queensland Government's StreetSmarts page for more information.
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Things to note
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