27 E-Mobility Crashes Recorded Across Mackay Whitsunday As New Laws Take Effect

Mackay Whitsunday recorded 27 e-mobility-related tragic crashes in just over 12 months, as Queensland Police step up enforcement of new rules targeting dangerous riding and non-compliant e-bikes and e-scooters.

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Queensland Police Service (QPS) data covering 1st July, 2025 to 19th July, 2026 shows four incidents were recorded in both July and August last year, followed by two in September, three in October, two in November and three in December. There were no incidents in January or March this year, while one was recorded in February, four in April, one in May, two in June and one in July. QPS noted the figures were preliminary and may change.

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The data comes as police launch Operation Yankee Surety, which began on 1st July to enforce Queensland’s new e-mobility laws.

In its first month, the statewide operation resulted in 991 traffic infringement notices, 249 non-compliant devices seized, 331 roadside breath tests and 24 riders charged with drink-riding offences.

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Acting Deputy Commissioner Rhys Wildman said police were continuing to detect riders using illegal devices, speeding, failing to wear helmets and riding under the influence.

“One month into Operation Yankee Surety, we’re still detecting riders using non-compliant devices, failing to wear helmets, speeding, and alarmingly, riding under the influence of alcohol,” he said.

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The new laws limit e-scooters and other personal mobility devices to 25km/h, while e-bike motors can only provide assistance up to that speed. A 12km/h limit applies on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths.

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Police can seize illegal devices and conduct roadside breath tests, with a 0.05 blood alcohol limit applying to riders. Those over the limit can face fines exceeding $500 and maximum court penalties of up to $6,908.

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From 31st August, riders must be at least 16 and hold a licence, while 12 to 17-year-olds can ride under parental supervision. Parents can also be fined if children under 16 ride non-compliant devices. E-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles can continue to be used on roads and bike lanes where the speed limit is up to 60km/h, but riders remain limited to 25km/h.

From 28th February, 2027, e-bikes will also require compliance labelling.

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The Government has described the reforms as “nation-leading”, saying they respond to community concerns and more than 6,000 e-scooter-related injuries recorded at emergency departments across 36 Queensland hospitals between 2022 and 2025.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the laws followed community and expert consultation.

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Katherine Bates OLY, Managing Director of Amy’s Foundation, said only one of Queensland’s 12 e-mobility deaths last year involved a legal e-bike.

“The harm comes from illegal, high-powered devices, and these laws are right to target that,” she said.

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QPS said officers would continue high-visibility and covert patrols, alongside community engagement, throughout Operation Yankee Surety, which runs until 30th June, 2027.

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“Every rider has a responsibility to understand the rules, operate a compliant device, wear a helmet, ride sober, and make safe decisions every time,” a QPS spokesperson said.

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