As reported in our March update, we raised community feedback and stakeholder concerns following the introduction of the Queensland Government’s Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-Mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026.

This included on enforcement, practicality, accessibility and ensuring reforms appropriately target unlawful devices and dangerous behaviour without unfairly impacting Queenslanders using lawful and compliant e-mobility devices as an important transport option.

The concerns raised included:

  • the need for substantial additional Queensland Police Service funding for effective enforcement of new offences and for the identification, seizure and destruction of illegal devices
  • clarity on protections for those using compliant and lawful pedal-assisted e-bicycles
  • difficulty in safely adhering to the proposed 10km/h speed limit on footpaths
  • 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

These matters were raised directly with the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, as well as in our submission to the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee during its review of the Bill.

Committee Review

The Committee has now completed its review and published the following recommendations regarding the Bill:

  • That the Bill be amended to allow compliance with the version of the EN 15194 standard that was in place when an EPAC was manufactured (the definition should be clear and unambiguous and should allow for recognition of future versions of the EN 15194 standard as it is updated); and that the Bill be amended to include an appropriate standard for compliant e-cargo bikes with maximum pedal-assisted speed of 25km/h.
  • That the Queensland Government investigate existing mechanisms for exemptions that could be adapted to assess e-mobility devices that do not fully meet the EN 15194 standards but meet key safety criteria, such as e-trikes and other adaptive devices that meet 25km/h speed limit and 250 watt power limit.
  • That the Queensland Government establish an assurance scheme with regulatory controls and Department of Transport and Main Roads oversight, which provides a statewide mechanism to certify and label currently compliant e-bikes; and that the Bill be amended accordingly.
  • That the Bill be amended so that individuals who cannot obtain a driver licence because of disability, a medical condition, or age, but are still capable of safely riding an e-mobility device, are able to do so, and that the Department of Transport and Main Roads develop an exemption framework for verification that an individual can safely operate an e-mobility device.
  • That the Bill be amended:
    • to apply a 10km/h speed limit to all footpaths in high pedestrian areas, with a clear definition of ‘footpath in high pedestrian area’, to be specified; and that the Department of Transport and Main Roads consider a speed limit of 10km/h within 10 metres of a pedestrian on all other footpaths
    • to provide that the 10km/h speed limit does not apply to shared paths, unless signed; and that on shared paths e-mobility riders should travel slowly around pedestrians and the Department of Transport and Main Roads consider a speed limit of 15km/h within 10 metres of a pedestrian.
  • That the Department of Transport and Main Roads further investigate a mechanism where designated and controlled public access areas may be used safely by compliant e-mobility devices, with minimal restrictions.
  • That the Queensland Government through the Department of Transport and Main Roads provide guidance material to shared e-mobility providers and other e-mobility hire companies to assist them to meet obligations under the legislation.
  • That the Department of Transport and Main Roads undertake a review of the regulatory changes implemented by the Bill, 12 months from the commencement of the provisions.

To read the full committee report, visit https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Tabled-Papers/docs/5826t0616/5826t616.pdf

It is positive to see that these recommendations address several matters raised by our office and constituents.

This includes the proposed exemption framework for individuals unable to obtain a learner’s licence due to disability, age or medical condition, refinement of the proposed 10km/h speed limit so it applies in high pedestrian areas or near pedestrians, and investigation of mechanisms where designated and controlled public access areas, such as rail trails, mountain bike tracks and bike paths, may be used safely by compliant e-mobility devices with minimal restrictions.

As we have consistently raised, however, responses must remain focused on unlawful devices, dangerous modifications and unsafe behaviour, alongside adequate Queensland Police Service resourcing to improve safety outcomes. It is important that reforms improve enforcement and public safety without unfairly impacting riders using lawful and compliant devices as an alternative transport solution.

The government is yet to respond to the Committee’s recommendations, and we will continue monitoring and providing updates to the community.

Further information

For previous Noosa 360 updates on electric bikes and scooters, visit:
www.sandybolton.com/?s=Electric+Bikes

To view the Committee’s full report including recommendations, visit:
www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Tabled-Papers/docs/5826t0264/5826t264.pdf

To view the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-Mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026, visit:
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

To advocate directly with the Minister for Transport and Main Roads regarding e-mobility reforms, please email transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please copy our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au  and forward any response you receive.