Queensland has become the first Australian state to require e-bike and e-scooter riders to hold a driving licence, with new restrictions taking effect on Monday, August 31, amid concern over serious crashes, battery fires and powerful imported devices.
Under the new laws, riders must be at least 16 and hold a valid licence, including a learner licence, to use an e-bike or personal mobility device on public roads, paths and other public places. Interstate and overseas licences will also be accepted.
The measures mean many Queensland riders will need to obtain their “Ls” before they can continue using an electric bike or scooter independently. Children aged between 12 and 17 who do not hold a learner licence may ride under the close supervision of a parent, grandparent or legal guardian.
Exemptions are available for people who cannot hold a licence because of a medical condition or disability, while designated recreational areas such as some rail trails and mountain-bike facilities are outside the normal age and licensing requirements.
Queensland e-bike laws bring tougher checks
The licensing requirement is the latest stage of a crackdown announced after a parliamentary inquiry examined dangerous riding, rising injuries, lithium-ion battery fires and the growing availability of high-powered e-bikes.
Legal e-bikes must have a maximum continuous motor output of 250 watts, provide assistance only up to 25km/h and meet the European EN 15194 standard. Devices capable of higher speeds or fitted with more powerful motors are not permitted on public roads or paths and can be seized by police.
Retailers have also been banned from selling e-mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, to anyone under 16. New devices must meet tighter product requirements, while mandatory compliance labelling for e-bikes is due to begin on February 28, 2027.
The first phase of the laws, introduced on July 1, gave police powers to seize and destroy illegal devices and carry out roadside breath tests. Riders are subject to a 0.05 blood-alcohol limit, while speed limits of 12km/h apply on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths.
Queensland Police said officers had issued 991 infringement notices, seized 249 non-compliant devices, carried out 331 roadside breath tests and charged 24 people with drink-riding offences by August 1 during Operation Yankee Surety.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Rhys Wildman said police were continuing to find riders using illegal devices, travelling too fast, failing to wear helmets and riding under the influence of alcohol.
The new rules have drawn criticism from cycling and disability advocates, who argue that a driving licence requirement could make it harder for people who rely on e-bikes as affordable transport. Bicycle Queensland chief executive Matthew Burke said the changes would also create difficulties for tourists who arrived without an international driving licence.
Rental operators, including Lime and Neuron, have until March 2027 to take reasonable steps to check riders’ age and licence status. The requirements may involve licence checks, written declarations or verification through mobile applications.
