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<\/p>\nContentious speed limits proposed for e-bikes and e-scooters in Queensland should be watered down, a parliamentary inquiry has recommended.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The proposed blanket 10 km\/h speed limit should instead only apply in high pedestrian zones and not on shared paths, the committee said.<\/p>\n
However, other notable changes, including a requirement that all riders hold at least a learner’s licence, and that under-16s be banned from using devices, have been given the green light.<\/p>\n
The state development, infrastructure and works committee tasked with considering sweeping reforms to e-mobility use in Queensland received more than 3,000 submissions.<\/p>\n
It is the same committee that conducted the inquiry into e-mobility safety in Queensland and made 28 recommendations to Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg in March.<\/p>\n
The committee recommended amendments that would apply a 10km\/h speed limit to all footpaths in high pedestrian areas, with a clear definition of where this applies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It has also recommended the Department of Transport and Main Roads consider a speed limit of 10km\/h on other footpaths when riders are travelling within 10 metres of a pedestrian.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The committee recommended the 10km\/h limit not apply to shared paths unless otherwise signed, and that the department consider a limit of 15km\/h within 10 metres of a pedestrian on shared paths.<\/p>\n
More than 100 e-bike riders and regular cyclists took to Brisbane’s Story Bridge on Thursday night to show their opposition to the proposed laws.<\/p>\n
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Kathryn Good says limiting e-mobility devices to 10km\/h on footpaths would extend commute times. (ABC News: Alex Brewster)<\/p>\n
Organiser Kathryn Good said it was their last chance to rail against an “impractical and silly law” ahead of the committee report release.<\/p>\n
“It’s going to turn a 10-minute commute into a 40-minute commute for most people,” she said of the 10 km\/h proposal.<\/p>\n
“The fight is not over once the committee report is released because it’s still got to go through parliament and that’s still a big unknown.”<\/p>\n
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A sign at a protest ride on Thursday against the proposed e-mobility laws. (ABC News: Alex Brewster)<\/p>\n
Licence exemption for people with disabilities recommended<\/p>\n
Committee chair Jim McDonald said in the report the committee stood by its recommendation that riders hold at least a learner’s licence despite considerable discussion.<\/p>\n
“This requirement remains important due to medical evidence indicating a higher risk among those under 16 years of age and who may not yet have the cognitive or motor skills required to safely operate e-mobility devices in dynamic environments,” he said.<\/p>\n
However, the committee has recommended the bill be amended to allow for people who cannot hold a driver’s licence because of a disability, medical condition or age, but are still abe to safely ride, be allowed to.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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E-bikes would be illegal for people who are not medically fit to drive under the proposed laws.\u00a0 (ABC News: Kenji Sato)<\/p>\n
The licence mandate was raised as a concern by many groups including the Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“The bill in its current form creates significant barriers to safe use of e-bikes and e-scooters for people with disability \u2013 impacting their ability to independently access the community, the outdoors and spend time with family and friends,” it said in its submission.\u00a0<\/p>\n