Riders have been warned they could be fined and have their e-bikes and e-scooters seized if they break the law.
More than 2700 infringement notices were issued in Queensland to riders of e-bikes and e-scooters for illegal road use in the two years to December last year.
Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Shane Panoho said reports of dangerous or illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters would be investigated and charges and fines could follow.
Penalties for offences range up to $1580 and the loss of three demerit points.
“If an investigation identifies an offence, police may seize the e-scooter or e-bike to further investigate if the vehicle is illegal, and in certain circumstances police may impound the device if the driver has committed a serious offence or an impoundment offence on multiple occasions,” Snr Sgt Panoho said.
He said parents could be charged or fined for allowing their children to use an unregistered motor vehicle.
Road Policing and Regional Support Command acting chief superintendent Garrath Channells said police were taking a proactive approach to education and enforcement of personal mobility devices (PMD), such as e-bikes and e-scooters, to keep all road users safe.
“We want all riders to be aware of the rules, particularly parents and caregivers who may not realise they’re buying their children a non-compliant e-bike or e-scooter,” he said.
“Some e-scooters and e-bikes being sold in Queensland exceed speed limits and are classified as motorbikes, meaning they require registration, insurance and a licence.
“We are committed to keeping all road users safe, including PMD users and those sharing footpaths and bikeways with them.
“Riders must follow the rules, wear a helmet and ensure their device is compliant before heading out.
“PMDs are not toys and are subject to Queensland road safety laws. Police will continue to be out enforcing these laws to keep all road users safe.”
Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton recently put a question on notice to Transport and Main Road Minister Brent Mickelberg about whether registration and licensing would be introduced for e-bikes and e-scooters, given issues with dangerous behaviour and non-compliance.
Mr Mickelberg said illegal e-bikes could be dealt with using unregistered and uninured vehicle offences, which was the same approach used throughout Australia.
“Legitimising these illegal devices by giving them registration plates will not help – the focus must be on permanently removing illegal devices from Queensland roads and paths,” he said.
Mr Mickelberg said licensing requirements already applied to the riders of illegal e-bikes, who could be fined or sent to court for riding without a motorcycle licence.
He said he was “very concerned” about the number of illegal e-bikes being used on roads and paths.
“While this is an issue across Queensland, the situation is particularly prevalent in both the Gold and Sunshine Coast regions,” he said.
“It is unacceptable that vulnerable path users – including children – have been hit and injured.”
