A series of fatal incidents involving electric mobility devices, including recent teenage deaths in Queensland and a New Year's Eve fatality in Tasmania, has intensified discussions regarding e-mobility device safety and regulation across Australia. A Queensland parliamentary inquiry has recently proposed significant new restrictions, including age limits, mandatory licensing, reduced footpath speeds, and reclassification of high-powered devices, as authorities and industry bodies address rising accident rates and the use of non-compliant e-bikes and e-scooters.
Recent Fatal Incidents
Queensland Tragedy Sparks Investigation
Two teenagers died in Greenbank, Logan, Queensland, following a collision between their e-bike and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Middle Road. The incident occurred around 9 p.m., with police investigations indicating the motorcycle was overtaking another vehicle when it collided with the e-bike. The e-bike, reportedly carrying a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, was traveling in the opposite direction. Authorities believe the e-bike did not have its headlights illuminated. The 52-year-old male motorcyclist was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in stable condition. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating and has requested witnesses or footage.
Tasmania Records First E-Bike Fatality
In Tasmania, a 15-year-old male died in an e-bike crash on New Year's Eve.
This incident is believed to be the first fatality in Tasmania directly involving an electric bicycle and has initiated a review of the state's e-bike legislation.
Tasmania Police are investigating the crash, including whether the deceased was wearing a helmet and if the device involved met the legal definition of an e-bike under current regulations.
Queensland's Sweeping Regulatory Review and Recommendations
These incidents coincide with an ongoing Queensland parliamentary inquiry into the use and safety of e-mobility devices, initiated in May of last year. The inquiry's report, delivered recently, includes 28 recommendations.
Data presented to the inquiry indicated that over the past year in Queensland, 12 fatalities and more than 6,300 emergency department presentations were linked to e-mobility incidents.
WorkCover also reported $4.4 million in claim costs related to e-scooter injuries for 2025.
Key recommendations from the inquiry include:
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Age Limits: Prohibiting individuals under 16 years old from riding e-bikes, e-scooters, and other personal mobility devices. An exception would apply to e-wheelchairs and other accessibility devices. This proposal aligns with existing age limits in South Australia and Western Australia for certain devices.
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Licensing Requirements: Mandating that all riders hold at least a Queensland Class C learner license, which involves completing an online learning program. If implemented, Queensland would be the first jurisdiction in Australia to require a license for such devices.
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Speed Limits: Reducing the maximum speed limit for all e-mobility devices on footpaths to 10 kilometers per hour. Bicycles would be exempt from this specific limit.
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Device Reclassification: Defining e-bikes or personal mobility devices with a top speed exceeding 25 km/h, or those not meeting the EN15194 standard (25 km/h limit and 250-watt motor), as motorcycles or mopeds. These reclassified devices would require appropriate driver's licenses, vehicle registration, compulsory third-party insurance, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and would be restricted to road use.
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Enforcement Powers: Granting Queensland Police the authority to seize and impound illegal e-mobility devices on a first offense, including the ability to dispose of or destroy the device.
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Parental Accountability: Amending laws to allow parents or guardians to face penalties for breaches of e-mobility device regulations by children under 16.
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Broader Safety Measures: Addressing risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires, regulating device retail, and enhancing public awareness.
Government and Stakeholder Reactions to Proposed Changes
Government Response
Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg has stated that the government will review the recommendations and aims to implement necessary changes to enhance public safety, acknowledging that some proposed changes might not be "universally popular." Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie also indicated that action is under consideration to prevent further loss of life.
Stakeholder Responses
The recommendations have elicited varied responses from stakeholders:
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Support: Proponents, including inquiry committee chair Jim McDonald and the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ), have welcomed the proposals. They view them as a step towards a "new national standard" for managing e-scooters and e-bikes and addressing public health concerns.
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Concerns: Critics, such as Bicycle Queensland CEO Matthew Burke, have expressed concerns about the licensing requirement, suggesting it could negatively impact food delivery riders, tourists, and residents in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Other concerns include the potential impact on individuals with disabilities who rely on e-mobility devices for transport but may not hold a driver's license. Questions have also been raised regarding whether licensing would effectively deter illegal riding by minors. Some retailers advocate for increased enforcement against illegally imported, high-powered devices rather than a blanket ban or restrictive measures on compliant e-bikes. Labor MP Jonty Bush raised concerns about potential over-generalization of e-bikes, arguing that pedal-assisted models should be differentiated from high-powered electric motorbikes.
Broader Regulatory Landscape and Calls for National Consistency
Across Australia, current e-bike laws vary significantly between states and territories, lacking national consistency in age limits or other regulations.
Western Australia is currently the only state with an age limit for e-bike riders.
Tasmanian laws, for example, do not impose an age limit for e-bike riders but require devices to be pedal-assisted with specific motor power limits (200W or 250W with assist disengaging at 25 km/h) to avoid registration or licensing requirements.
Federal and State Collaboration
At the federal level, the government announced in November impending changes to standardize the types of devices allowed for import and sale as e-bikes. This initiative aims to provide clarity for consumers and ensure compliance for importers and operators. Industry bodies like Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA) have advocated for federal standardization since 2022, citing varied state-level responses and noting that many incidents attributed to e-bikes involve non-compliant powered two-wheeled vehicles. Tasmanian Transport Minister Kerry Vincent indicated ongoing collaboration with other jurisdictions to establish a nationally consistent approach, with discussions expected to continue into 2026.
Queensland Audit Uncovers Compliance Issues
In Queensland, an internal audit of a state government rebate scheme for e-mobility devices, which offered $500 for eligible e-bikes and $200 for e-scooters based on a 25 km/h speed and 250-watt motor limit, identified compliance issues. Of 3,265 e-bikes funded by the scheme, 693 (21 percent) were identified as illegal or potentially illegal. Similarly, 141 of 1,508 e-scooters subsidized were also found to be illegal.
These findings underscore challenges in ensuring compliance within the current regulatory framework.