The second stage of Queensland's e-mobility overhaul starts today. From 31 August 2026, anyone riding an e-bike or an e-scooter on their own in Queensland must be at least 16 years old and hold at least a learner driver licence. It is among the strictest e-bike access rules anywhere in the world.
What the rule actually requires
- Solo riders must be 16 or older and hold a Queensland driver or learner licence, or an accepted interstate or overseas equivalent
- Riders aged 12 to 17 without a licence can still ride, but only under the direct supervision of a parent or caregiver, after the government softened an earlier proposal for a blanket under-16 ban
- People who cannot hold a licence because of a disability or medical condition can apply for an exemption, with a grace period running to 29 November 2026
- Shared-scheme operators such as Lime and Neuron have until March 2027 to take reasonable steps to check a rider's age and licence
The enforcement behind it
The age and licence rules sit on top of the power and seizure laws that began on 1 July. Queensland Police say that since that first stage, they have seized 400 illegal e-devices, issued close to 1,750 fines and charged 54 riders with drink-driving offences. The message from police is that enforcement is already active, not theoretical.
Sources
- ABC News, Queensland e-bike age and licence rules
- Queensland Police, licensing requirements commence for e-mobility riders
Commencement date, supervision and exemption rules and the enforcement figures are from ABC News and the Queensland Police Service, reported 30 August 2026.