The Sunshine Coast has recorded more seizures of prohibited e-mobility devices than any other Queensland police district, since new laws came into effect.
One-hundred-and-forty-six non-compliant e-bikes and e-scooters were taken off local streets from July until September.
Minister for Police and Member for Ninderry said the region “was the epicentre of the issue”.
“The crackdown we established three months ago, with nation-leading laws, has seen our police on the Sunshine Coast seize almost 150 of these devices,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we saw too many people injured. We saw a young person lose their life at Sippy Downs and we promised to make a difference and to keep people safe.
“We can assure all locals on the Sunshine Coast that our police are now armed with nation-leading legislation, and they will continue to make sure people are not using these illegal and unsafe devices.”
Authorities confiscated almost 560 prohibited e-bikes and e-scooters across the state since new laws were introduced.
“Our police on the Sunshine Coast have seized almost 150 of these devices,” Minister Purdie said. “That’s the most in Queensland.”
“We know the Sunshine Coast was the epicentre of this issue.
“We’ve passed nation-leading laws and our police on the Sunshine Coast will continue to make sure people are safe on our footpaths and on our roads and take decisive action against these people using these dangerous and illegal devices.”
Statewide, more than 1500 riders were fined for failing to wear a helmet, while 157 riders were caught speeding. Police also conducted 878 roadside breath tests, intercepting 68 drink riders.
Since the second tranche of reforms came into effect on August 31, introducing new age and licensing requirements for e-mobility riders, 64 people have been charged.
Police now have stronger laws to seize non-compliant devices, enforce the road rules and take action against riders who put themselves and others at risk.
Minister Purdie said the first three months of the reforms demonstrated what could be achieved with strong laws.
“We are seeing the difference … and we will keep working to ensure Queenslanders can use our roads, footpaths and shared pathways safely,” he said.
Among the incidents, Gympie Highway Patrol observed two riders allegedly doubling on an e-scooter, at Gympie without helmets on September 6 at 8.35pm.
Police intercepted a 48-year-old Nambour man operating the device and, upon speaking to the man, learned he allegedly did not hold a valid licence. See the video below.
The man received traffic infringement notices for failing to wear a helmet, carrying a passenger and riding unlicenced, and received $1554 in fines.
Queensland Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Partrige said police would continue to enforce the laws and educate riders to ensure safety on roads.
“Our goal under Operation Surety is to protect all road and pathway users, including those on e-mobility devices,” he said.
“Electric power assisted cycles, e-scooter and other e-mobility devices are vehicles, and like any other vehicle, dangerous behaviours like speeding, drink riding or using non-compliant devices can have life-threatening consequences, not just for the rider, but the community as a whole.
“Non-compliant devices and dangerous riding have no place in our communities, and police will continue to take enforcement action against those disregarding the law.
“However, police also urge the community to understand their responsibilities on these devices.”
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