From 1 July, Queenslanders aged 16 and over must hold at least a learner driver's licence to legally ride an e-bike, e-scooter or other e-mobility device in public. The rule is part of a broader crackdown on e-mobility devices in the state, which also brought in tougher penalties, new police powers to seize illegal devices, and random breath-testing for riders. The change comes amid growing safety concerns, including calls for tighter age restrictions following the death of a 13-year-old boy in an e-scooter crash in Bundaberg.

Riders aged 12 to 17 can still use these devices without a licence provided they are supervised by a parent or carer, and designated recreational areas such as mountain bike trails are exempt. Police have said they will carry out random checks to ensure riders are properly licensed, with Acting Deputy Commissioner Rhys Wildman stressing that e-mobility devices must be operated safely and in line with road rules. Medical groups, including the Australian Medical Association Queensland, have backed stricter controls, arguing that under-16s lack the skills to ride safely around traffic, other riders and pedestrians.