New safety warnings for e-scooters and e-bikes this Christmas
Queensland warns families to follow legal and safe e-scooter and e-bike rules.
What’s happening?
Queensland has launched a new safety campaign called Know Your eRules.
The campaign warns people to prioritise safety and legality when buying or using e-scooters and e-bikes this Christmas.
Why it matters?
There have been rising concerns about young Queenslanders riding illegal e-motorbikes on public streets.
In the past three years, Queensland recorded numerous e-scooter fatalities and several e-bike-related deaths.
Police will issue penalties and fines to anyone breaking the law, including parents who let children ride illegal devices.
Local impact
Queenslanders are being urged to understand which devices are legal and who can ride them, before purchasing e-scooters or e-bikes as gifts.
Parents are being asked to supervise eligible young riders and avoid buying illegal devices.
By the Numbers
Queensland recorded 18 e-scooter fatalities in the past three years, showing the risks of unsafe riding.
Children under 12 years of age cannot ride personal mobility devices under any circumstances, even with a parent.
Riders must be 16 or older to use a personal mobility device without supervision.
Zoom In
Joanna Robinson, General Manager of Land Transport, Safety and Regulation at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, said safety must come first.
“These devices can be deadly if misused or ridden outside the legal age and safety requirements, with visits to hospital emergency departments due to e-scooter and e-bike incidents increasing at an alarming rate,” Ms Robinson said.
“Penalties and fines will be issued to those who break the law, including parents who allow their children to ride illegal devices.
“We’re really encouraging parents to visit the Government’s StreetSmarts website to learn about safe and legal devices, and to make sure their children understand the rules.
“We want everyone to stay safe this Christmas. Please don’t buy illegal e-motorbikes for use on our roads. Using these devices in public is against the law, and you could risk a fine, or worse the loss of a loved one.
“Remember if you are riding an e-bike or e-scooter, always wear a helmet, stick to speed limits, avoid busy roads, leave your phone alone, and don’t drink and ride.”
Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler from the Queensland Police Service Road Policing Group said expectations must be clear.
“Buying a personal mobility device doesn’t give your child free rein to ride it whenever or however they want, it means you, as the parent or carer, need to know the rules and supervise them appropriately,” he said.
“Supervision isn’t optional, it’s part of keeping them safe. If a young rider breaks the rules, it will not only result in enforcement action by police, but it is dangerous to themselves and other road and pathway users.”
Zoom Out
The Know Your eRules campaign aims to educate Queenslanders about legal and illegal e-scooters and e-bikes.
It highlights age limits, power limits, speed limits, and helmet requirements. The campaign also reminds buyers that e-devices are not toys and come with responsibilities.
What to look for next?
Ads continuing through Christmas.
Ongoing safety messages from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Continued police enforcement of e-device laws.
Fast Facts / More Information
E-scooter:
You must be at least 16 years old to ride a personal mobility device on your own.
Children aged 12 to 15 may ride only with an adult supervising. The adult must be riding or walking close by.
Children under 12 are not allowed to ride personal mobility devices in any situation, even with a parent.
Only one rider is allowed on an e-scooter at a time. Riding with another person is not permitted.
All riders must wear a helmet.
E-bike:
E-bikes with motors above 250 watts or able to exceed 25 km/h are illegal, even if the power can be restricted.
Pedal power should remain the main way the device is propelled.
Riders must follow speed limits and must not use mobile phones while riding.
Any increase in speed must come from the rider and not the motor.
Helmets are required for all riders.
If gifting an e-scooter or e-bike this Christmas
Check that the device meets legal requirements.
Make sure the rider knows the rules.
Include a helmet with the gift.
For more information, visit HERE.
