Queensland mandates learner licences for e-bike and e-scooter riders

Queensland has become the first Australian state to require e-bike and e-scooter riders to hold at least a learner driver's licence. The new regulations, which took effect on Monday, aim to address safety concerns following several accidents, including a fatal crash involving a 13-year-old boy in Childers.

Under the new rules, riders must possess a valid learner's licence to operate electric-powered cycles and scooters on roads and paths. Limited exemptions are provided for medically exempt riders, people in designated off-road recreation areas, and supervised 12 to 17-year-olds.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg stated that the laws aim to balance community safety with sensible exemptions for law-abiding citizens. As part of Operation Yankee Surety, police have already issued over 1,700 fines and seized nearly 400 non-compliant devices since July 1. Authorities will now include licence checks during street intercepts to enforce the new requirements.