Australian states impose stricter e‑bike and e‑scooter laws

Queensland is rolling out a two‑stage reform of its e‑mobility rules. From 1 July, police may seize and destroy illegal devices, random breath tests will apply to riders of e‑bikes, e‑scooters and similar devices, and a 0.05 % blood‑alcohol limit will be enforced. Speed limits are being lowered: devices faster than 25 km/h are banned, footpath speeds are capped at 12 km/h, and road use is limited to roads with speed limits up to 60 km/h. Riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a licence from 31 August, with higher penalties for speeding, helmet non‑use and carrying passengers. Compliance labelling for e‑bikes becomes mandatory by February 2027.

In South Australia, the state government has opened a public consultation on its e‑bike and e‑scooter regulations. The review seeks feedback on licensing, speed limits, road access, rider age, police powers to remove or destroy devices and size‑weight restrictions. Existing rules allow e‑scooters on footpaths at up to 10 km/h, on roads up to 25 km/h in bike lanes, and require helmets but no licence. The survey runs until 16 August, with responses intended to shape the next phase of the state’s e‑mobility policy.