Locals ‘Fed Up’ New E Mobility Laws To Take Effect In July

Tough new e mobility laws will take effect from July 1^st as rising injury rates and community concerns prompt a crackdown on unsafe e-scooter and e-bike use across Mackay and Queensland. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton has addressed the escalating number of e-scooter related injuries across the region, with 107 people presenting to Mackay emergency departments last year following incidents involving personal mobility devices.

The figures equate to more than two injuries every week locally and form part of a state-wide trend that saw more than 3,000 people treated in Queensland emergency departments.

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In response, a suite of tougher laws will be introduced, aimed at improving safety and reducing the growing number of preventable injuries.

From July 1^st police will have powers to seize and destroy illegal devices, conduct random breath tests on riders in public places, and enforce higher penalties for offences including speeding, failing to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding on prohibited roads.

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New restrictions will also ban e-bikes and e-scooters capable of exceeding 25km/h unassisted, while a 12km/h speed limit will apply in areas shared with pedestrians.

Licensing requirements for riders will come into effect from August 31^st, with exemptions available for people with medical conditions or disabilities. Riders aged 12 to 17 will be permitted to use e-mobility devices under parental supervision, while parents of children under 16 who are found riding illegally will be held accountable.  

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Riders found over the 0.05 blood alcohol limit could face fines exceeding $500, with maximum court penalties of up to $6,908.

Mr Dalton said the changes were necessary to address a growing safety concern.

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"To see people coming in here with injuries which could easily be prevented is very sad."

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"It means pressure on the hospital, pressure in workplaces when people return to work, and pressure on schools and families."

Mr Dalton said the impacts were particularly concerning when children were involved.

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"I've recently been to a school in Mackay where two children have been injured this week and suffered broken bones."

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"It's going to slow down their learning and put pressure on their family for transport."

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He said community frustration around unsafe riding behaviour had also contributed to the push for reform.

"People in Mackay are fed up with footpaths being dominated by e-scooters and e-bikes."

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"They're fed up with e-scooters and e-bikes travelling in places and directions that are not appropriate and are unsafe."

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Dr Syed Khadri, Clinical Director of the Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department, said injury presentations had risen sharply over recent years.

"In 2020 we had about five presentations to the Emergency Department. Last year we had close to 107, and the year before that we had about 40."

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"The numbers are increasing quite rapidly."

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The new laws are expected to take effect in stages from July 1^st.

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