Queensland Launches Major Inquiry Into e-Scooter Safety and Laws

The State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee will probe the benefits, safety risks, and legal gaps around e-mobility devices.

Hire e-scooters are lined up in Melbourne's central business district (CBD) in Australia on Aug. 13, 2024. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Queensland has announced a wide-ranging parliamentary inquiry into the growing use and risks of e-mobility devices such as e-scooters and e-bikes.

The probe will be conducted by the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee and will assess the benefits of these devices, safety risks, and gaps in existing laws.

The inquiry will compare Queensland’s current rules with those of other jurisdictions. Importation laws, enforcement strategies, education efforts, and public communication will also be examined.

A statement issued by the state government cited a 112 percent rise in injuries involving personal mobility device (PMD) riders, passengers, and pedestrians between 2021 and 2024.

Tragically, eight PMD users died last year.

“These devices are replacing vehicles and being used more and more as a means of getting to work, education or to link with public transport,” the statement read.

Push for Tougher Enforcement

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the inquiry was critical to addressing rising community concerns about safety.

“The increase in injuries and deaths we are seeing because of unsafe and unlawful riding cannot be ignored, and I share the community’s concern,” he said.

He criticised the former Labor government for not doing enough to address dangerous and illegal e-scooter and e-bike use.

“Labor failed to tackle dangerous and illegal e-scooter and e-bike use and left our police service woefully understaffed to enforce the regulations,” Mickelberg said.

He said the new Crisafulli Government would lead the parliamentary probe to ensure stronger safety measures.

“We want to hear from community members, road use groups, disability advocates, health and trauma experts, academia, the e-mobility industry, and all levels of government,” he said.

“It’s important we consider all research and opinions, to ensure a safe and reliable future for e-scooters and e-bikes, especially as we welcome visitors from all over the world for the 2032 Games.”

Victoria Tightens Penalties on e-Scooter Use

Queensland’s move follows steps taken by Victoria earlier this year to address e-scooter safety.

The Victorian Labor government launched a public safety campaign titled “If you think e-scooters are a toy, think again.”

It highlights the consequences of reckless riding through videos featuring toy characters involved in real-life crashes.

Stricter penalties were introduced for riding on footpaths, carrying passengers, or failing to wear helmets.

Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol now attracts the same penalties as drink-driving, including licence loss.

Research cited by the Victorian government found that many residents wrongly view e-scooters as toys, overlooking the laws and risks involved.

Battery Safety Under Scrutiny in NSW

Meanwhile, New South Wales is pursuing a separate inquiry through its Coroners Court into deaths and fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.

These batteries are used in a range of devices, including e-scooters, e-bikes, EVs, and household electronics.

The inquiry comes after a string of fatal fires linked to battery malfunctions, with officials now investigating possible regulatory gaps.