New QLD E-Scooter Laws 2026: What Every Queensland Rider Needs to Know

Queensland has just rolled out the biggest shake-up of e-scooter and e-mobility rules since e-scooters were legalised in the state. If you ride an e-scooter, e-skateboard, e-unicycle, or e-bike anywhere in Queensland, these changes affect you — and getting caught out could mean a hefty fine or having your device seized on the spot.

Here's a plain-English breakdown of what's changed, what's still coming, and how to make sure your ride stays legal.

Why the Rules Changed

The reforms follow a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety, which handed down 28 recommendations after a sharp rise in e-scooter and e-bike related injuries and deaths across the state. The Queensland Government accepted all 28 recommendations, and the resulting legislation — the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026 — has been rolling out in phases through 2026.

Key Changes That Started 1 July 2026

Speed limits are tighter. E-scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMDs) must now be restricted so they can't exceed 25km/h. On footpaths and shared paths, a lower limit applies when passing pedestrians. E-bike motors are also capped at providing assistance only up to 25km/h.

Devices over 25km/h are banned. Any PMD capable of exceeding 25km/h is no longer road-legal. If your device was bought before 1 July 2026 and can go faster than that, it needs to be limited — check with your retailer about compliance options.

No passengers, ever. Carrying a second person on any personal mobility device is now banned outright, regardless of age or size — including parents doubling with kids.

Random breath testing. The same drink-riding rules that apply to cyclists now apply to e-scooter and e-bike riders. Police can conduct random breath tests, and you're required to remain at the scene after a crash.

Bigger fines, tougher enforcement. Penalties have gone up significantly across the board — for speeding, riding without a helmet, careless or dangerous riding, and carrying a passenger. Some serious offences now carry fines up to roughly $6,700. Police also have new powers to seize non-compliant or illegal devices immediately, with no warning.

More road access. On the flip side, riders now have expanded access to certain roads with posted speed limits of up to 60km/h — as long as the device itself doesn't exceed the 25km/h device limit.

Age Rules: What's In Place Now

Between 1 July and 31 August 2026, riders of PMDs (e-scooters, e-skateboards, e-unicycles) must be 16 or older to ride unsupervised. Younger riders aged 12–17 can still ride under specific supervision arrangements while the transition plays out. An earlier proposal for an outright ban on under-16s was softened after public feedback, and the government has been finalising supervision and exemption details since.

What's Coming on 31 August 2026

This is the big one for a lot of riders: from 31 August 2026, anyone 16 or older will generally need to hold at least a learner's permit for a driver's licence (Queensland, interstate, or overseas) to ride a PMD or e-bike unsupervised. A three-year learner licence costs around $77.55.

There are exemptions in the works, including for people with certain medical conditions or disabilities, supervised riding for 12–17 year olds, and riding in designated areas like some national parks and rail trails.

Parents, take note: if your under-16 rides illegally — whether that's an age issue, an unlicensed rider, or an illegal device — you can personally be fined.

Is Your Device Still Legal?

This is where a lot of riders are getting caught out. A few quick checks:

• Speed cap: Your e-scooter, e-skateboard or e-unicycle must be limited to a maximum output of 25km/h.
• E-bikes: Motor output capped at 250W continuous, assistance must cut out at 25km/h, and the throttle can only assist up to 6km/h before you need to pedal. E-bikes must comply with the EN 15194 standard.
• Modified or "unlocked" devices: If you've used a throttle unlock code or modification to push your device past 25km/h, it's no longer classed as a PMD or e-bike — it's treated as an unregistered motorbike, which is a much more serious offence.
• Grace period: Riders have until the end of February 2027 to bring existing devices into compliance with the new standards, with an assurance scheme being developed to help owners check and certify their setups.

Quick Compliance Checklist

• ✅ Device limited to 25km/h (check manufacturer specs or ask your retailer)
• ✅ Helmet worn at all times
• ✅ No passengers
• ✅ Rider is 16+ (or riding under a valid supervision arrangement)
• ✅ From 31 August 2026: rider holds at least a learner's licence
• ✅ Not riding under the influence
• ✅ Device hasn't been modified with a throttle unlock or similar

Where to Get More Information

These laws are still rolling out in stages, and some details — like the full exemption list and the device assurance scheme — are being finalised closer to the relevant dates. For the most current, official information, check the Queensland Government's StreetSmarts website or contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads directly before you ride.

This article is general information only and isn't legal advice. Rules can change as the rollout continues, so always confirm the latest requirements with official Queensland Government sources.