A new Queensland Government safety campaign is rolling out state-wide ahead of Christmas, warning families about the risks associated with e-scooters and e-bikes as sales surge in the lead-up to the holiday season.
The initiative, called Know Your eRules, is being led by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and aims to educate riders, and particularly parents, about the legal requirements and dangers linked to personal mobility devices. Advertisements will appear across Spotify, social media and bus shelters to drive home the message that e-mobility can be convenient and fun, but also deadly when rules are ignored.
The campaign comes amid growing concerns around the rising number of young Queenslanders riding illegal e-motorbikes on public roads. Police say misuse is becoming increasingly common, particularly in South East Queensland, and officers will issue penalties to those who break the law. Parents who allow children to ride illegal devices will not be exempt.
In the past three years, 18 e-scooter deaths and several e-bike related fatalities have been recorded in Queensland. Authorities warn this number could rise without improved awareness around what is safe and permitted.
TMR Land Transport, Safety and Regulation general manager Joanna Robinson said every household should be thinking carefully about safety before gifting an e-device.
“These devices can be deadly if misused or ridden outside the legal age and safety requirements, with visits to hospital emergency departments due to e-scooter and e-bike incidents increasing at an alarming rate,” Joanna said. She added that the penalties will apply to anyone caught riding illegally, stressing that responsibility sits with parents as well as young riders.
“Penalties and fines will be issued to those who break the law, including parents who allow their children to ride illegal devices,” Joanna said. “We’re really encouraging parents to visit the government’s StreetSmarts website to learn about safe and legal devices, and to make sure their children understand the rules.”
Unfortunately research shows that the Christmas rush often leads to well-intentioned but risky gift purchases, and local councillors, police and road safety regulators urge families to consider safety before novelty.
“We want everyone to stay safe this Christmas. Please don’t buy illegal e-motorbikes for use on our roads. Using these devices in public is against the law, and you could risk a fine – or worse, the loss of a loved one,” Joanna said. “Remember if you are riding an e-bike or e-scooter, always wear a helmet, stick to speed limits, avoid busy roads, leave your phone alone, and don’t drink and ride.”
Queensland Police Road Policing Group Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler reinforced the message, saying e-devices may look like the perfect Christmas gift, but come with serious responsibilities. “Buying a personal mobility device doesn’t give your child free rein to ride it whenever or however they want, it means you, as the parent or carer, need to know the rules and supervise them appropriately,” Mark said. He warned that breaches could lead to enforcement action, but more importantly posed real danger. “Supervision isn’t optional, it’s part of keeping them safe. If a young rider breaks the rules, it will not only result in enforcement action by police, but it is dangerous to themselves and other road and pathway users.”
The StreetSmarts website outlines key legal requirements for both e-scooters and e-bikes, including age restrictions, speed limits, supervision rules and mandatory helmet use. Riders must be at least 16 to ride independently, while children aged 12 to 15 may only ride under direct adult supervision. Devices capable of exceeding 25 km/h or with motors above 250 watts are illegal, regardless of whether settings can be locked to lower power.
As local families consider Christmas gifts, authorities hope education will guide safer choices. The message is clear: check the rules, choose legal devices, and pair every e-scooter or e-bike with a helmet and awareness of the road.
Families wanting more information can visit the Queensland Government’s StreetSmarts website to ensure safety and legality come first this festive season.