Recent E-Mobility Incidents Across Australia Spark Regulatory Debate

Fatal Incidents

Queensland: Greenbank E-Bike and Motorcycle Collision

On Thursday night around 9:00 PM, a collision occurred on Middle Road in Greenbank, south of Brisbane. Police reported that a motorcycle was overtaking a car when it collided with an e-bike traveling in the opposite direction.

The e-bike was carrying two riders: a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene. The 52-year-old male motorcyclist was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in serious but stable condition. According to police, the e-bike's headlights were believed to not be illuminated at the time of the crash. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

New South Wales: Bossley Park Trail Bike and Bus Collision

On Monday evening around 7:10 PM, a collision occurred on the Liverpool Parramatta Transitway (T-Way) near Restwell Road in Bossley Park, western Sydney.

A 15-year-old male rider and a 14-year-old male passenger were on a petrol-powered trail bike. The bike collided with the side of a bus and became trapped underneath. Both teenagers were pronounced deceased at the scene. The 48-year-old bus driver was uninjured and transported to a hospital for mandatory testing. The bus had no passengers. Police stated the bus appeared to be executing a U-turn in a turning bay at the time. The bike was registered to a relative of one of the boys, and both were wearing helmets. The Crash Investigation Unit is investigating.

Victoria: South Morang Electric Motorcycle Collision

On Wednesday evening around 5:30 PM, an electric motorcycle carrying two individuals collided with two cars at the intersection of Findon and Plenty roads in South Morang.

A 15-year-old male passenger died at the scene. Police stated he was not wearing a helmet. The 17-year-old male rider, who was wearing a helmet, sustained serious lower-body injuries and was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. Police reported the motorcycle ran a red light. Police stated the device was unregistered, had its pedals removed, and was modified, with an estimated top speed of 90 km/h. The rider was unlicensed and may face charges. Both motorists stopped and were not injured.

Western Australia: Mandurah Push Scooter and Car Collision

On Monday around 5:10 PM, a collision occurred on Mandurah Terrace near Stewart Street in Mandurah, south of Perth.

An 11-year-old boy on a push scooter collided with a Mazda sedan. He sustained critical injuries and was transported to Peel Health Campus, where he died. The 46-year-old male driver stopped at the scene and is assisting police. The Major Crash Section is investigating.

Western Australia: Swan View E-Bike and Bus Collision

On Monday around 6:40 PM, a 50-year-old man riding an e-bike died after a collision with a Transperth bus at the intersection of Marlboro Road and Morrison Road in Swan View, Perth. He died at the scene. The Major Crash Investigation Section is investigating.

Tasmania: New Year's Eve E-Bike Fatality

On New Year's Eve, a 15-year-old male died in an e-bike crash in Tasmania. Police are investigating the circumstances, including helmet use and whether the device met Tasmania's legal definition of an e-bike.

Other Incidents

New South Wales: North Curl Curl E-Bike Hit-and-Run

On Monday evening around 4:45 PM on Abbott Road in North Curl Curl, a 15-year-old boy on an e-bike was struck by a vehicle, which then fled the scene.

Witnesses reported a white Volkswagen mounted the kerb before striking the boy.

He sustained leg injuries and was transported to Randwick Children's Hospital in serious but stable condition. Police confirmed the driver's identity is known to them; no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.

Regulatory Responses

Queensland Government: Proposed Legislation and Committee Recommendations

The Queensland government has introduced a bill proposing new regulations for e-mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters. A parliamentary committee examined the bill and issued a report with recommendations.

Original Proposed Regulations:

• A minimum age of 16 years for riders.
• A requirement for riders to hold at least a Queensland Class C learner license.
• A 10 km/h speed limit on footpaths and shared paths.
• Classification of devices exceeding 25 km/h as motorcycles or mopeds, requiring registration and insurance.
• Increased police powers to seize and impound illegal devices.

Parliamentary Committee Recommendations (May 8, 2026):

• The 10 km/h speed limit should apply only in high pedestrian zones or within 10 meters of a pedestrian on footpaths.
• The 10 km/h limit should not apply to shared paths unless signed; a 15 km/h limit within 10 meters of a pedestrian on shared paths was suggested.
• Exemptions from licensing requirements for individuals who cannot hold a driver's license due to disability, medical condition, or age.
• E-bikes that were compliant at the time of manufacture should remain legal.
• The laws should be reviewed after 12 months.

The report also noted an internal audit found that 693 of 3,265 e-bikes (21%) and 141 of 1,508 e-scooters funded by a previous government rebate scheme were illegal or potentially illegal.

Western Australia: Government Pauses E-Rideable Law Implementation

The Western Australian government paused the implementation of changes to e-rideable laws. The government stated it supported 32 of 33 recommendations from a review. It requested the federal government take action on the importation of illegal devices.

New South Wales: Laws for Police to Seize Modified E-Bikes

The NSW government has introduced laws allowing police to seize and destroy modified or overpowered e-bikes.

Federal Government: Plans for National Standards

The federal government announced plans to standardize the types of devices that can be imported and sold as e-bikes in Australia.

Stakeholder Reactions

Support for Stricter Regulations

• The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) broadly supported the recommendations.
• The Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ) supported the age ban.
• Vision Australia supported safety measures but noted a 10 km/h speed limit still poses risks for pedestrians who are blind or have low vision.

Opposition or Concern Regarding Proposals

• Bicycle Queensland opposed the licensing requirement and speed limits, arguing it could restrict access for many users.
• Several councils (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset) expressed concerns about licensing, age bans, and speed limits, citing impacts on young commuters, regional mobility, and lack of evidence for higher risk from legal e-bikes.
• Rental companies Neuron and Lime warned licensing requirements could end their services in Queensland.
• Disability advocates and individuals with disabilities raised concerns about barriers to independence.
• Retailers and industry bodies argued the focus should be on enforcing laws against illegal, high-powered devices rather than restricting legal e-bikes.