Following the Inquiry into E-Mobility Safety and Use in Queensland, the Queensland Government has agreed, or agreed in principle, to all 28 recommendations and has now tabled legislation to facilitate their implementation.

Inquiry into E-Mobility Safety and Use in Queensland

Despite advocacy to see their report released sooner, the Inquiry released its final report on 4 March 2026, outlining 28 recommendations aimed at improving safety, addressing illegal e-motorbikes and modified e-bikes, and reducing unsafe behaviours.

These recommendations include:

  • Minimum age and licensing requirements with riders needing to be over 16 and have a leaners licence.
  • Reclassification of devices that do not meet the definition of a complaint e-bike or PMD with a top speed exceeding 25km/h as a motorcycle, moped or other appropriate classification requiring registration, an appropriate licence and to be limited to use on roads.
  • Reduction of footpath speed limits to 10km/h
  • Expanded police powers to seize, impound and destroy illegal devices
  • Anti-tampering laws and tighter retail regulations to prevent modification and sale of non-compliant devices
  • Mandatory safety standards.
  • Increased investment in infrastructure, including safer separated pathways and improved signage.

To read the full Inquiry report and recommendations:
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Tabled-Papers/docs/5826t0264/5826t264.pdf

Key concerns raised

Following the tabling of the Inquiry’s report, Sandy wrote to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads outlining that while many of the recommendations reflect long-standing advocacy, a number of concerns have been raised by the Noosa community.

These include:

  1. The need for substantial additional funding to QPS for effective enforcement of new offences and for the identification, seizure and destruction of illegal devices, on top of legislation that already exists.
  2.  Further clarity on protections for those using compliant and lawful pedal assisted e-bicycles.
  3.  The 10km/h footpath speed has been identified as difficult to safely adhere to, as has been acknowledged by the Department of Transport and Main Roads previously.
  4.  The classification system proposed is complex with significant impacts for licensing, enforcement, usage options, and registration.
  5.  The impact of proposed changes on those who utilise lawful and compliant devices as an alternative transport solution, including those under 16, and those with medical conditions, mobility or financial barriers that cannot obtain, or afford a licence.

 Sandy has urged the Government to consider these issues, along with feedback from other stakeholders prior to implementing the reforms.

Tourism and local impacts

We have also been made aware of potential impacts of the proposed 16+ age restriction on small, locally owned tourism operators offering guided e-bike experiences.

In response, Sandy will continue to advocate and include in her submission on the Bill that consideration be given to the impacts on professionally guided tours, where safety briefings, supervision and controlled environments significantly mitigate risks.

Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026

As stated previously, the Queensland Government has now tabled legislation to implement the Inquiry’s recommendations. It has since been referred to the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee, which is inviting submissions on any aspect of the Bill from all interested parties.

The Committee Submission process is open until 12pm Friday 10 April.

To make a submission, visit https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=272&id=8575

If you could please also send a copy of your submission to our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au to help inform our advocacy.

Further information

To view the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026:
https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/bills/2026/4284/Transport-and-Other-Legislation-(Managing-E-mobility-Use-and-Protecting-Our-Communities)-Amendment-Bill-2026-1809.pdf

For previous updates on electric bikes and scooters:
www.sandybolton.com/?s=Electric+Bikes

For those wishing to directly advocate, consider emailing the Minister for Transport and Main Roads via transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please copy our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward us any response you receive.