E-scooters net to a rail station in suburban Brisbane, Queensland. Photo: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Queensland parliament is to investigate the use of personal e-mobility devices (PMD) such as e-scooters and e-bikes in response to rising concerns about their use.
E-scooters and e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular to replace vehicles as a way of getting to work, education or to link with public transport.
According to the Queensland Government, there were eight deaths involving PMDs last year and a 112 per cent rise (2021-24) in injuries to riders, passengers, and pedestrians.
The government says a parliamentary inquiry will focus on the benefits of these devices, safety risks; current rules and how they compare with other jurisdictions; policing; import laws; communication and education; and feedback from stakeholders.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg says the move is about improving safety for all road users and pedestrians.
“The increase in injuries and deaths we are seeing because of unsafe and unlawful riding cannot be ignored. I share the community’s concern,” he says.
The minister also attacked the previous government for failing to tackle the issue.
“The government will hold a parliamentary Inquiry to ensure we are doing everything we can to boost safety for both pedestrians and riders,” he says.
“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.
“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.”
OTHER STATES
In January, NSW legislated new product safety and information standards for e-mobility vehicles which are powered by lithium-ion batteries.
The batteries have been increasingly linked to fires: the NSW government says the Fire and Rescue NSW data show e-vehicles caused 193 fires from 2022-25 with the numbers rising every year.
In Victoria, a new e-scooter road safety campaign was launched in December after new laws targeting dangerous riding behaviour were introduced.
Late last year, South Australia passed laws allowing e-scooters to be used on public roads and paths with no requirement for an e-device to be registered or for the rider to hold a licence. The laws will be reviewed after 12 months.
