Former Queensland LNP premier Campbell Newman has criticised his own party's sweeping new e-bike laws, arguing that the state does not need additional legislation and should instead focus on enforcing existing rules and targeting dangerous rider behaviour.
Speaking after the LNP government announced its reforms to e-bike and e-scooter laws on Tuesday, Mr Newman said the government had misdirected its priorities.
"We've got plenty of laws, plenty of regulations in this country. What we should be doing is enforcing them," Mr Newman said.
Near misses in Brisbane CBD
Mr Newman said he had "lost count" of the number of times he had nearly been hit by e-bikes and scooters while walking through Brisbane's CBD, recounting several close calls on Margaret Street.
"I have not seen any police officers at any time enforcing the laws," he said.
Under the new legislation, police will be empowered to seize illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, conduct random breath tests, and impose tougher penalties as part of a broader crackdown on dangerous riding.
However, children aged 12 to 17 will be permitted to ride under parental supervision, and the existing 12km/h footpath speed limit will remain unchanged.
The reforms mark a shift from the government's March proposal, which had sought to ban riders under 16 and reduce footpath speed limits to 10km/h.
Key provisions of the new laws
The changes will also ban high-powered e-bikes and e-scooters capable of exceeding 25km/h unassisted. Licensing requirements and new parental responsibility laws will be introduced, along with higher fines for offences including speeding, riding without a helmet, carrying passengers, and riding on prohibited roads.
Riders caught over the 0.05 blood alcohol limit will face fines exceeding $500 and maximum court penalties of up to $6,908.
People with certain medical conditions or disabilities will be eligible for exemptions from licensing requirements.
Despite these measures, Mr Newman argued that sweeping new changes were unnecessary.
"We have existing laws. We should be focusing on people operating e-bikes and scooters safely," he said. "We don't need to go about and create a whole new set of laws."
Call for public awareness campaign
Mr Newman also called for a public awareness campaign highlighting the risks of dangerous riding and the consequences for those who injure pedestrians, in order to curtail reckless behaviour.
He said an awareness campaign around Brisbane's CBD and other high-traffic areas could help educate riders about safely sharing footpaths and roads, while warning of the serious legal and financial consequences of injuring pedestrians.
Mr Newman emphasised that riders travelling through busy areas needed to slow down and be more conscious of those around them.
"I'm not seeing anyone being pulled over. I'm not seeing anyone being counselled by the police," he said. "It's happening with impunity. Let's curb irresponsible behaviour. Let's focus on behaviour."
