E-bikes, e-scooters and Personal Mobility Devices have become increasingly common across Queensland, particularly in busy areas such as Brisbane City, South Bank, Fortitude Valley, West End, Toowong, South Brisbane, New Farm and other inner-city suburbs.

They are convenient, affordable and easy to access. However, they also create safety risks for riders, pedestrians, drivers and other road users.

In response to community concerns, the Queensland Government is introducing tougher rules for e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, e-unicycles and other Personal Mobility Devices, commonly known as PMDs.

The new laws start progressively in 2026 and will affect where people can ride, how fast they can ride, who can ride, and what penalties may apply for unsafe or illegal riding.

This article explains the key changes for Queensland riders, parents, pedestrians and road users.

What devices are covered by the new Queensland laws?

The new laws apply to a range of electric and personal mobility devices, including:

• E-bikes
• E-scooters
• E-skateboards
• E-unicycles
• Personal Mobility Devices, also known as PMDs
• Some other powered rideable devices

For many Queenslanders, the most relevant devices will be e-bikes and e-scooters, particularly where they are used for commuting, food delivery, short trips, university travel or recreational riding.

When do the new e-bike and e-scooter laws start?

Most of the major changes commence from 1 July 2026.

Some additional age and licence requirements are expected to commence from 31 August 2026.

There will also be future compliance labelling requirements for e-bikes, expected by 28 February 2027.

Because the laws are being introduced in stages, riders should keep up to date with the official Queensland Government information, particularly if they own, sell, repair, modify or regularly use an e-bike, e-scooter or PMD.

25km/h device speed limit

From 1 July 2026, devices faster than 25km/h will be banned.

For e-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices, the device must be restricted so that it cannot exceed 25km/h.

For e-bikes, the motor can only assist up to 25km/h. This means an e-bike may be ridden faster than 25km/h only if the extra speed comes from human pedal power, not motor assistance.

This is an important change for riders who have purchased high-powered e-bikes, modified e-scooters or devices capable of travelling well above ordinary bicycle speeds.

If a device can exceed the legal limit, it may not be permitted for public use in Queensland.

12km/h speed limit on footpaths and near pedestrians

From 1 July 2026, a 12km/h speed limit will apply:

• On footpaths; and
• When passing pedestrians on shared paths.

This applies to e-bikes, e-scooters and other PMDs.

This rule is particularly important in busy Brisbane locations where pedestrians and riders often share limited space, such as South Bank, Queen Street Mall surroundings, Roma Street, Milton, West End, Kangaroo Point, Fortitude Valley, Newstead, universities, transport hubs and riverside bikeways.

Even where a rider is legally allowed to use a footpath or shared path, they must ride with care and adjust their speed around pedestrians.

Where can e-scooters and PMDs be ridden?

From 1 July 2026, e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles can be ridden on roads, including on-road bike lanes, where the speed limit is up to 60km/h.

However, the rider’s maximum permitted speed remains 25km/h.

Riders should remember that being allowed on some roads does not mean they can ride anywhere. Some roads may still be prohibited, and riders must comply with road rules, signs and speed limits.

Higher penalties for unsafe riding

The new laws will introduce higher penalties for a number of offences involving e-bikes, e-scooters and PMDs.

Examples include:

• Not wearing a helmet
• Doubling, meaning illegally carrying a passenger
• Riding on a prohibited road
• Careless riding
• Speeding
• Drink riding
• Unsafe parking

The Queensland Government has indicated that penalties include:

• 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, with the higher amount being the maximum court-imposed penalty
• Unsafe parking: $172
• Parents being fined for children under 16 riding illegally: $518

These penalties show that e-bikes and e-scooters are not being treated as toys. Riders can face significant fines if they ignore the rules.

Helmets remain compulsory

Riders must wear an approved helmet that is properly fitted and fastened.

This is not only a legal requirement but also an important safety measure. E-bike and e-scooter accidents can result in serious injuries, particularly where a rider falls onto a road, footpath, kerb, traffic lane or shared path.

Head injuries can be serious even at lower speeds.

Drink riding and Random Breath Testing

From 1 July 2026, Police will be able to conduct Random Breath Tests for riders of:

• E-bikes
• Bicycles
• E-scooters
• Other PMDs

The 0.05 blood alcohol concentration limit applies in public places.

This is a major reminder that drink riding can have legal consequences. Riders should not assume that e-scooters or e-bikes are a safe or lawful alternative to driving after drinking.

Illegal devices may be seized and destroyed

From 1 July 2026, Police can seize and destroy illegal devices.

This may include devices that are clearly not compliant with the law, such as high-powered or modified devices that exceed legal limits.

For e-bike owners, this is particularly important. Some devices sold online may look like ordinary e-bikes but may actually be too powerful or may have throttle functions that make them non-compliant for public use.

Before purchasing or using an e-bike, e-scooter or PMD in Queensland, riders should check whether the device is lawful.

New age and licence rules from 31 August 2026

From 31 August 2026, riders must generally be 16 years old and hold a valid driver licence.

The Queensland Government has indicated that some exemptions will apply, including exemptions for medical conditions and disabilities. There will also be an ability for some 12 to 17 year olds to ride under parental supervision.

Further details about these exemptions are expected to be made available by the Queensland Government.

Parents should be aware that from 1 July 2026, they can be fined if children under 16 ride illegally, including where the child is underage, unlicensed or using an illegal device.

Why are the new laws being introduced?

The Queensland Government has stated that the reforms are intended to improve safety and strengthen accountability for riders, parents and suppliers.

As e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular, there are more interactions between riders, pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and public transport users.

Common risks include:

• Riding too fast on footpaths
• Riding too close to pedestrians
• Failing to wear a helmet
• Riding under the influence of alcohol
• Using modified or high-powered devices
• Carrying passengers on devices not designed for two people
• Riding on roads or paths where the device is not permitted
• Poor visibility at night
• Sudden collisions with cars, buses, cyclists or pedestrians

The new laws are designed to make the rules clearer and improve safety across Queensland.

What should you do after an e-bike or e-scooter accident?

If you are involved in an e-bike, e-scooter or PMD incident in Queensland, there are practical steps you should consider taking.

First, stop and check whether anyone is injured. If emergency assistance is required, call 000.

Second, exchange contact details with the other people involved. This may include riders, drivers, pedestrians, witnesses or device hire operators.

Third, report the incident where required. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve Police, the device hire company, an insurer, your employer, or another relevant organisation.

Fourth, seek medical attention if you have been injured. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious, particularly soft tissue injuries, concussion symptoms, back pain, neck pain, wrist injuries or shoulder injuries.

Fifth, keep records. This may include photographs of accident scene, screenshots, device hire records, receipts, medical notes, witness details, dashcam footage, CCTV locations, repair invoices and correspondence.

Good records can be important if there is later a dispute about what happened.

Common e-bike and e-scooter accident scenarios in Queensland

E-bike and e-scooter accidents can happen in many different ways, including:

• A rider being hit by a car while using a bike lane
• A pedestrian being struck on a footpath
• A rider falling due to a pothole, uneven surface or road defect
• A collision between an e-scooter and a cyclist on a shared path
• A rider losing control due to excessive speed
• A rider being injured while using a hired e-scooter
• A crash involving a modified or illegal device
• A rider being injured while working, such as during food delivery or courier work

The legal issues can vary depending on where the incident occurred, who was involved, whether the rider was working, whether a registered vehicle was involved, and whether a road authority, occupier, employer, insurer or device operator may be relevant.

Brisbane and Queensland riders should prepare now

The new laws are a timely reminder for riders across Brisbane and Queensland to check their devices, understand the rules and ride safely.

Before riding, consider:

• Is the device legal in Queensland?
• Can it exceed 25km/h?
• Is the motor assistance on an e-bike limited to 25km/h?
• Are you wearing a helmet?
• Are you riding at 12km/h on footpaths and near pedestrians?
• Are you sober and under the legal alcohol limit?
• Are you old enough and licensed, if required?
• Are you riding in a permitted location?
• Are you carrying a passenger unlawfully?
• Are you keeping pedestrians safe?

Understanding these rules can help reduce the risk of fines, accidents and serious injury.

Key takeaway

Queensland’s new e-bike, e-scooter and PMD laws introduce major changes from 1 July 2026, including tougher penalties, speed limits, drink riding enforcement, illegal device seizure powers, and age and licence requirements.

Riders, parents, suppliers and regular users should become familiar with the new rules before they commence.

E-bikes and e-scooters are useful and convenient, but they come with legal responsibilities. Whether you ride for work, commuting or recreation, knowing the rules can help keep you and others safer.

This article is general information only and is not legal advice. If you require advice about your specific circumstances, you should seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer.