The Queensland government has watered down its plan to ban children under 16 from riding e-mobility devices to allow those aged between 12 and 17 to ride under parental supervision.
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg announced a series of amendments to the state government’s proposed e-mobility laws on Tuesday, which are expected to pass state parliament this week.
The government proposed the laws following a parliamentary inquiry into the safety of e-mobility devices that recommended under-16s be banned from riding them.
Further recommendations included requiring riders to hold at least a learner’s licence.
Mr Mickelberg said on Tuesday the legislation would be tweaked to allow those aged between 12 and 17 to ride an e-mobility device under parental supervision.
Brent Mickelberg announced a series of amendments to the bill on Tuesday. (ABC News)
However, those aged 16 or above who hold at least a learner’s permit would be able to ride without supervision. The legislation will also allow parents to be fined if a child under 16 rides illegally.
Mr Mickelberg said the finalised bill would provide an exemption for people who could not hold a license due to a medical condition or disability.
Mr Mickelberg said there would also be amendments regarding the use of e-mobility devices on rail trails and on mountain bike tracks.
Speed limit changes
A proposed 10 km/h speed limit on footpaths had faced particular opposition by members of the community.
Some riders have protested the proposed laws. (ABC News: Alex Brewster)
Mr Mickelberg said that instead, a 12 km/h speed limit would apply on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths. The speed limit on shared paths would otherwise be 25km/h.
“We promised to deliver nation-leading laws and that is exactly what we will be doing this week,” he said.
Riders will have until the end of February 2027 to ensure their device is compliant with the new standards required under the legislation.
E-scooters and personal mobility devices will need to be limited to 25km/h and e-bikes must comply with the European Standard EN15194.
Mr Mickelberg said an assurance scheme would be developed to help owners ensure their e-bikes are compliant.
E-bike 10km/h limit in Qld should be watered down
He said the legislation would also be amended to ensure that past and future versions of the European Standard would meet the compliance requirements.
Mr Mickelberg said the laws were expected to come in from July 1, with the ban on under-16s riding alone and licence requirements to start from August 31.
Managing director of cycling safety advocate group Amy’s Foundation Katey Bates said changes were needed following the death of 12 people in Queensland in e-mobility device incidents last year.
Katey Bates says “something had to be done” to make e-mobility devices safer to ride. (ABC News)
“What we are targeting through this is making sure the illegal devices are off our roads and that poor and dangerous behaviour is not tolerated,” she said.
“We are not targeting the families riding their bikes to school, we encourage that and hope these measures increase safety for them.”
Mr Mickelberg said he would encourage the federal government to fast-track the introduction of a product standard to make the regulation and enforcement of what is considered a legal e-bike easier.