Queensland introduces tough new age and licensing rules for e-bike riders

Queensland has introduced new age and licensing requirements for e-bike and e-scooter riders, bringing some of the toughest e-mobility rules in Australia into effect.

From yesterday, August 31, riders need to be at least 16 and hold a driver’s licence to ride an e-bike or e-scooter alone. Young people aged 12 to 17 can still ride under parental supervision, while people unable to drive because of a medical condition or disability can apply for an exemption.

Exemptions also apply in certain areas such as national parks or on rail trails.

The changes are part of a broader Queensland crackdown on e-mobility devices. The laws also introduce a 12km/h limit around pedestrians and give police additional powers to seize illegal devices.

About 400 illegal e-devices have been seized since July, according to Queensland police.

However Bicycle Queensland chief executive Matt Burke says the new requirements risk penalising people who use legal e-bikes as a practical form of transport.

Burke said the rules could particularly affect older riders who have given up their driving licences but continue to rely on bicycles.

“The other people being affected are seniors who are having to go and get their learner’s permit at the age of 80 plus,” he told the Guardian.

He also argued that the new speed restriction could have unintended safety consequences, with the legislation’s explanatory notes indicating that some riders could be pushed off protected cycling infrastructure and into general traffic.

Tourists could also face difficulties under the new system.

“It’s going to be difficult, very difficult for tourists. They don’t tend to come with an international driver’s licence; they tend to come just with a passport,” Burke told the ABC.

He went further, describing Queensland as having made itself “the hardest place in the world to ride a safe, legal e-bike.”

The new licensing requirements also extend to commercial shared-mobility operators. Operators Lime and Neuron have until March next year to introduce measures designed to establish that riders meet the age and licensing requirements.

Those measures could include checking licences when vehicles are hired or requiring declarations through an app,

The Queensland government has defended the measures, saying they are intended to address dangerous and illegal use of e-mobility devices.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Rhys Wildman said police statewide have issued more than 1,700 fines to riders engaging in risky behaviour.  

“For any road user, these behaviours are dangerous and increase the risk of serious crashes and injury. However, for young road users who lack experience on Queensland roads, the consequences of these behaviours can be catastrophic, and even the smallest lapse in concentration can result in a tragedy,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Wildman said.  

Police say the legislation has already contributed to a visible reduction in e-vehicle use on roads, footpaths and bike paths.

What does this mean for legal e-bike riders?

For riders using a compliant pedal-assist e-bike, the new Queensland laws should have little practical impact, beyond the need for a licence.

Under Queensland law, a legal e-bike must have a 250-watt continuous-rated motor, provide assistance only while the rider is pedalling, cut out at 25km/h and remain within the permitted specifications.

One change riders should be aware of is the new labelling requirement. Compliant e-bikes without an EN15194 label will need to be labelled under Queensland’s assurance scheme by 28 February 2027.

The riders most likely to be affected by the tougher rules are those using devices that fall outside the definition of a legal e-bike, particularly modified or higher-powered bikes.

You can read further information about the Queensland Government’s official e-bike guidance via the StreetSmarts website.