Queensland survey: about half of e-mobility devices may break rules

Queensland has its first real estimate of how many e-bikes and e-scooters are on its roads and paths, and how many of them break the rules. A survey funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, reported by ABC News on 21 October, estimates close to one million privately owned e-mobility devices in the state, about half of them non compliant.

The key numbers

• 65% of e-bikes were judged compliant, which means about 35% were not
• Only 45% of other devices, such as e-scooters, were judged compliant
• The most common fault was a top speed above 25 km/h, followed by e-bikes with motors above 250 watts
• A third of e-bike riders are over 60, and the average e-scooter owner is 37
• More than 98% of owners said they wear a helmet

Compliance was assessed from what owners reported about their device's speed, power and throttle, not from testing each one, so the figures are estimates rather than measured results. QUT road safety researcher Professor Narelle Haworth, who was not involved in the study, described the level of non compliance as scary. RACQ's Michael Kane welcomed the research.

Why it matters now

The survey lands three and a half months into Queensland's enforcement push. Police Minister Dan Purdie said about 600 non compliant e-bikes have been seized since July, with the majority destroyed. Police figures released earlier this month put seizures at 558 devices and fines at more than 2,400 in the first three months of Operation Yankee Surety. Since 31 August, riders must also be at least 16 and hold a licence to ride unsupervised.

The next deadline is the bigger one for owners. From early 2027, every e-bike ridden in Queensland will need to meet the European EN 15194 standard and carry a compliance label, or be verified under the state's e-bike assurance scheme. If the survey is close to right, hundreds of thousands of bikes already in garages will not qualify.

What it means for riders

• In Queensland a legal e-bike has a continuous motor rating of 250 watts, assistance that cuts out at 25 km/h, and a throttle only up to 6 km/h. Check your own bike against all three
• Look for an EN 15194 label on the frame and keep your receipt and spec sheet. You will need proof of compliance from early 2027
• If you own a 500 watt bike bought legally in another state, it is still not legal to ride in Queensland
• Do not sell a non compliant bike to an unsuspecting buyer as road legal. If you are buying second hand, ask to see the label and check the motor rating before you pay
• Older riders make up a big share of owners: if you are buying for a parent, a certified 250 watt step through commuter is a sensible choice