If you plan to ride an e-scooter or ride an electric scooter in Queensland, it is important to understand the latest e-mobility laws. The Queensland Government has introduced new laws aimed at improving safety for road users, pedestrians, and personal mobility device riders.
These nation-leading reforms affect e-scooters and personal mobility devices, e-bikes and e-scooters, and other e-mobility devices across QLD, including Brisbane.
What changed from 1 July 2026?
Major Queensland e-mobility changes
1 July 2026
The state government’s proposed e-mobility laws introduced several major changes from 1 July 2026:
- A ban on under-16s riding unsupervised.
- Children aged 12 and 17 to ride only under specific supervision rules.
- Tougher e-scooter and e-bike laws with increased enforcement.
- New speed limit rules on footpaths and when passing pedestrians.
- Random breath testing by Queensland Police for e-bike riders, e-scooter riders, and bicycle riders.
- Power to seize illegal devices and some illegal electric scooters.
The reforms were announced after a parliamentary inquiry into the use of e-mobility devices.
Can I ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
Yes. Electric scooters are legal in Queensland when they meet the definition of a personal mobility device.
To legally ride a personal mobility device, the device must comply with Queensland rules, including limits on size, weight, and speed.
What is the age limit?
QLD age rules
| Age | Can ride? |
|---|---|
| Children under 16 | Only if they ride under parental supervision |
| 16 years and over | Yes, subject to licensing rules from 31 August 2026 |
From 31 August 2026, riders aged 16 years and over must generally hold a Queensland licence (learner or higher) to ride unsupervised.
Where can you ride?
Under the rules for personal mobility devices, you may ride an e-scooter on:
- Footpath areas
- Shared path networks
- Bike lane and bicycle lane infrastructure
- Roads with a posted speed limit of 60 km/h or less
You must not ride
- On roads over 60 km/h
- On roads separated by a median strip where PMDs are prohibited
- In areas signed as prohibited for e-scooters and e-bikes
Queensland e-scooter speed limits
2026 speed limits
| Location | Speed limit |
|---|---|
| Footpath | 12 km/h |
| Passing pedestrians on shared paths | 12 km/h |
| Shared path (unless signed lower) | 25 km/h |
| Bike lane / bicycle lane | 25 km/h |
| Roads up to 60 km/h | 25 km/h |
A faster electric motor setup may be considered an illegal device. Devices that can exceed 25 km/h are being targeted under the 2026 reforms.
Helmet, phone and passenger rules
Every rider must:
-
- Wear an approved helmet
- Give way to pedestrian traffic
- Keep left on paths and in a lane
- Not use a hand-held mobile phone while riding
- Not carry passengers
Drink riding rules
The same drink-riding laws apply to e-scooters and e-bikes as they do to a bicycle. Queensland Police can conduct random breath tests, and riders must remain at the scene after a crash.
Common fines in QLD (2026)
Common fines
| Offence | Fine |
|---|---|
| Not wearing a helmet | $518 |
| Carrying a passenger | $518 |
| Riding on a prohibited road | $518 |
| Careless riding | $518 |
| Using a phone while riding | $1,295 |
| Speeding | $345 to $1,986 |
| Drink riding | Up to $6,908 |
Parents can also receive a fine if children under 16 ride illegally.
E-bike laws from 1 July 2026
The reforms also apply to e-bike riders.
An e-bike or e-scooter must be speed-limited to 25 km/h. An e-bike may travel faster only through human pedal power, not through motor assistance.
Rail trails and other locations
The Queensland Government is also reviewing e-mobility devices on rail trails, including some rail trails popular with mountain bike riders.
Why Queensland Updated Its E-Scooter Laws
Queensland has updated its e-mobility laws to improve safety for everyone using public roads, shared paths, and footpaths. The reforms respond to increased use of e-scooters and personal mobility devices, with a focus on reducing serious crashes, improving rider behaviour, and creating clearer rules for all road users.
The updated laws introduce stricter requirements for personal mobility device riders, including new age requirements, licensing changes, speed restrictions, and increased penalties for unsafe riding. Whether you ride an e-scooter, an e-bike, or another e-mobility device, understanding the current rules helps you stay compliant and ride safely throughout Queensland.
FAQ: E Scooter Laws QLD
What are the e scooter laws in QLD?
Electric scooters are legal in Queensland as a personal mobility device when they comply with size and speed rules. Riders must wear a helmet, give way to pedestrians, follow speed limits, and obey road rules.
What are the e scooter rules in QLD?
The main e scooter rules QLD riders need to know are: wear a helmet, no passengers, no hand-held phones, keep left, give way to pedestrians, and obey the posted speed limit.
What is the e scooter laws QLD age limit?
The e scooter laws QLD age limit requires riders to be 16 years or older to ride unsupervised. Younger riders may only ride under adult supervision.
Can I ride an electric scooter on the road?
Yes, you can ride an electric scooter on roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less, including a bike lane or bicycle lane, provided you follow all PMD rules.
Are modified scooters legal?
Some modified or illegal electric scooters may become illegal to ride if they exceed the allowed speed or do not meet Queensland PMD requirements.
Stay Safe and Ride Legally in Queensland
Before you ride an electric scooter in Queensland, make sure you understand the latest rules for personal mobility devices. Choosing a compliant e-scooter, wearing an approved helmet, following the applicable speed limit, and respecting pedestrians are essential responsibilities for every rider.
Whether you’re commuting through Brisbane, travelling along a shared path, using a bike lane, or riding on an approved road, following the current regulations helps keep you and other road users safe. As e-mobility laws continue to evolve, it’s also a good idea to check the latest Queensland Government guidance before purchasing or using an e-bike or e-scooter.
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