E-bike laws are set to be reformed after three children were killed in separate accidents.
The Queensland government is expected to toughen legislation following an inquiry after an eight-year-old boy became the state’s latest e-bike casualty when he died on the Sunshine Coast last week.
He was killed when two e-bikes collided at Mountain Creek about 3.30pm on Thursday.
About 15 minutes later, a five-year-old girl on a scooter was killed in a collision with a ute outside a school in northwest Sydney.
A 15-year-old boy also died when he lost control and fell from his electric dirt bike on the Gold Coast about 3am on Saturday.
The tragedies have potential implications for the future of e-bikes in the state, with a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety and use having just completed public hearings.
The parliamentary committee is required to table its report by March 30, 2026.
Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg described it as a “complex issue”.
“We’ve seen rapid evolution of this technology very quickly, but I think it’s fair to say that governments at all levels need to do more to tackle this,” he said.
The minister was reeling from the Sunshine Coast accident in his electorate of Buderim.
“My thoughts are with the family and the friends … I’ve got an eight-year-old son myself. I can only imagine what they’re going through right now,” he said.
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Asked if stronger e-bike laws were needed sooner, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said she was working with the premier and Mr Mickelberg to “ensure we can do everything possible to toughen up the laws in this state”.
“That is exactly why there is a parliamentary inquiry into e-bikes in this state,” she said.
“Right now, my heart goes out to that family. This is an absolute tragedy.”
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Queensland Police have yet to confirm whether the e-bikes involved in the Sunshine Coast crash were modified but believe both riders were wearing helmets.
The other rider was 15 and was not seriously injured, declining treatment from paramedics.
“Most police services around Queensland and the country are dealing with issues that are created by these high-powered e-bikes,” Chief Inspector Jason Overland said.
Modifications were being made to the devices faster than law enforcement could keep up, he said.
“Some have no pedal assistance at all. If it’s a pedal-assisted bike, that’s one thing – if it’s not, well then it’s a motorcycle,” he said.
