Australia Queensland Gov 2026 New laws for e-scooters and e-bikes
New laws 2026
The Queensland Government is delivering tougher e-scooter and e-bike laws from 1 July, to stop behaviour that puts lives at risk. The new laws respond to widespread community concerns over the use of e-bikes and Personal Mobility Devices, which include e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles.
The nation-leading reforms focus on strengthening accountability for riders, parents and suppliers. They provide advice on who can ride, what they can ride, where and how fast – to keep all road users safe.
Enforcement will target the most dangerous behaviours on roads and paths, with riders facing higher penalties for disobeying the new laws.
Under the stronger laws:
- Police can seize and destroy illegal devices from 1 July.
- Random Breath Tests by Police will enforce drink riding for riders of e-bikes, bicycles, e-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices in public places from 1 July. 0.05 BAC applies.
- Devices faster than 25km/h will be banned. E-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices must be restricted so they can’t exceed 25km/h. E-bike motors can only assist up to 25km/h. E-bikes can only be ridden faster under human pedal power.
- 12km/h speed limits will apply on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths for e-bikes, e-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices from 1 July.
- E-scooters, e-skateboards or e-unicycles can by ridden on roads, including on-road bike lanes, with a speed limit of up to 60km/h from 1 July. Riders can only go to a maximum speed of 25km/h.
- Higher penalties will apply for speeding, failure to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding e-scooters, e-skateboards or e-unicycles on prohibited roads from 1 July.
- Riders must be 16 with a licence from 31 August. Some exemptions* for medical conditions and disabilities, and the ability for 12-17 year olds to ride under parental supervision will apply.
- Parents will be fined for under 16s riding illegally, from 1 July.
- Compliance labelling for e-bikes* will be mandatory, by 28 February 2027.
*Information about the exemptions and an assurance scheme to help e-bike owners comply with the new labelling requirements will be available on this website after 31 August 2026.
New and increased penalties:
- Not wearing a helmet – $518
- Doubling – $518
- Riding on a prohibited road – $518
- Careless riding – $518
- Speeding – $345 to $1,986 depending on speed
- Drink riding – $518 to $6,908 (maximum court imposed)
- Unsafe parking – $172
- Parents can be fined for children under 16 years riding illegally (illegal device, underage or unlicensed) – $518
Original article: https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/
Electric bicycles (e-bikes)
New laws for e-scooters and e-bikes
From 1 July 2026, there will be new rules for e-bike and e-scooter riders. The information here is current until the new laws commence.
Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are creating more opportunities for more Queenslanders to experience the joy of bike riding and get around more sustainably than using a car. They make riding easier no matter your ability or location.
What is an electric bicycle (e-bike)?
An e-bike is a type of vehicle that has the same basic features as a regular push bike, but has an electric motor that can be used to assist the rider when pedalling. There are specific rules and requirements for e-bikes in Queensland. Read more about e-bike rules and riding an e-bike in Queensland.
E-bikes make riding easier
As fun as riding is, Queensland’s climate, hilly terrain and distance can sometimes put the brakes on even our best intentions to get outdoors for some exercise or to ride to work instead of taking the car.
But, these things don’t need to get between you and your next ride!
With an e-bike, you can enjoy a riding experience that’s more comfortable and fun than ever, all while boosting your physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
Hilly terrain and heat
Using the assistance of the motor while riding, e-bikes boost your pedal power and help you maintain speed, ride uphill and against the wind with ease. You’ll also reach your destination fresh and without feeling as hot and sweaty as you might with a regular bike.
Distance
Long rides are no problem, with e-bikes allowing you to ride further with less effort. You could generally expect to ride about 40 to 80km on a single charge, but the exact range will depend on several factors including battery size, your weight, the terrain, and how much assistance you use. Many e-bikes also come with the option to upgrade to a higher capacity battery.
Low levels of fitness or limited physical ability
With the motor’s assistance, pedalling uphill and going on longer journeys is a breeze and will help you reach your destination without feeling exhausted.
Taking off is easy, as they help you accelerate faster from a standstill than a regular bike. Some e-bikes may come equipped with ‘start assist’ technology that allows the motor to operate without you pedalling up to a speed of 6km/h, to help you get going and stay stable when you first take off.
Adaptive e-bikes (such as e-bikes propelled by hand pedals, recumbent e-bikes and three-wheeled e-trikes), provide accessible options for people with disability, stability or mobility concerns.
Transporting children or goods
E-bikes are available in various models with various features to meet people’s different needs. This includes cargo e-bikes for carrying goods, kids, pets and shopping, and e-mountain bikes for trail riding. E-bikes can be fitted with different accessories to suit your needs. This includes child seats, and compartments, baskets and panniers to carry bags, boxes or other items.
E-bikes are good for you and good for the environment
Even though e-bikes make riding easier in a lot of ways, you’ll still reap many of the same personal benefits that come with riding a regular bicycle. These include:
improved physical fitness and mental wellbeing
a convenient and efficient form of transport
the fun, freedom and adventure that comes with exploring your community by bike.
Your hip pocket and our planet will benefit too.
When compared to internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles, e-bikes are a more affordable and environmentally friendly way to get around. This means e-bikes can often be a better option and a viable alternative to owning a car or a second car, particularly for people on low incomes and those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Even if you do have a car, it’s easy to replace car trips with an e-bike. You’ll not only avoid fuel costs and traffic congestion, you’ll be helping reduce congestion, emissions and parking pressures too.
Helpful resources
If you’re considering an e-bike, there are some important factors to think about to ensure you get an e-bike that meets your current and long-term needs. These include how and where you plan to use the e-bike, your budget, battery capacity, battery life range, accessories and servicing requirements.
Your local bike shop is a great place to speak with someone about your needs and find out more about different e-bike makes and models.
You can also learn more about purchasing, using and maintaining an e-bike via these Bicycle Queensland resources:
Frequently asked questions.
Guide to buying an e-bike.
E-bike safety
Most e-bikes use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. When used correctly, lithium-ion batteries are safe. But if used incorrectly, they can be dangerous.
Visit the Queensland Fire Department website to learn about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and safe operating, charging and disposal practices. More tips are also available at on the Electrical Safety website.
Remember, when riding an e-bike you have rights and responsibilities like all road users. This includes always wearing a helmet and ensuring your e-bike has all the legally required equipment to keep you and others safe, including a working brake, reflector, and a bell or other warning device.
Learn more about road rules and safety for bicycle and e-bike riders.
Get started
With Queensland’s network of bikeways and paths growing every day, e-bikes are set to continue to grow in popularity as a healthy, environmentally friendly, comfortable, exciting and affordable way for Queenslanders to travel from A to B and experience the joy of bike riding.
If you’re still not convinced an e-bike is for you, some Queensland bicycle and e-mobility retailers offer free or low-cost short-term e-bike borrowing.
Trialling an e-bike for a few days can be a great way to find out how it could fit into—and even transform—your daily life!
Last updated:5 June 2026
Electric bicycles (e-bikes) – qld.gov.au https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/public/bicycle-riding/electric-bicycles
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