E-Mobility Surge Sparks Safety Crisis in Queensland
The rapid rise of e-bikes and e-scooters across Queensland is creating a dual public safety emergency, with hospital admissions soaring and house fires linked to lithium-ion batteries becoming increasingly common. New data reveals that injuries from these popular devices have almost doubled over two years, while fire risks pose a significant threat to homes and communities.
Hospitalisations Skyrocket as Injuries Nearly Double
According to the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit, emergency department presentations for e-mobility injuries reached 2000 cases in 2025. This represents a dramatic 23 per cent increase from 2024 figures of 1626 cases, and a concerning 45 per cent jump from the 1380 cases recorded in 2023. These statistics only cover approximately one quarter of hospitals statewide, suggesting the actual number of injuries is substantially higher across Queensland.
"These figures represent real individuals whose lives have been upended," emphasised Dr Michael Kane, head of public policy at RACQ. "Queensland's e-mobility crisis has reached tipping point, and the upcoming parliamentary inquiry report provides a clear-cut opportunity to change course."
Tragic Fatalities Highlight Urgent Need for Action
The human cost of this crisis extends beyond injuries, with fourteen fatalities recorded in e-mobility crashes across Queensland. Among the victims were two teenagers on the Gold Coast involved in separate e-bike incidents, one involving a collision with a car, and an eight-year-old boy killed in a head-on e-bike crash on the Sunshine Coast.
Written submissions to the parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety, which is expected to deliver recommendations in March, described harrowing incidents including a commuter struck by an e-scooter travelling around 50 km/h, resulting in serious spinal injuries, and a cyclist hospitalised for eight weeks who remained unable to walk independently for months.
Illegal Devices and Enforcement Challenges
Police data underscores the scale of compliance issues, with at least 100 illegal devices seized and more than 2100 fines issued in 2025 alone. Queensland Police Inspector Gareth Bosely highlighted the problem in December, noting, "Many of the devices being utilised are illegal and unlawful devices, high-powered devices capable of travelling similar speeds to a motorcycle being ridden on our roads and pathways, often without helmets."
RACQ, together with Bicycle Queensland and Queensland Walks, is advocating for comprehensive reforms including a major crackdown on illegal high-powered devices, cleaning up the retail market to prevent unsafe products from being sold, and overhauling hire schemes to improve safety and reduce footpath clutter.
Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Create Additional Hazard
The dangers extend beyond collisions, with lithium-ion battery fires emerging as a significant household risk. New data from insurer Allianz Australia reveals that e-bikes and e-scooters accounted for one third of house fires caused by these batteries in 2025, with e-bikes responsible for 14 per cent and e-scooters for 19 per cent of incidents.
Overall, more than half of lithium-ion battery house fires were caused by everyday household items, with batteries and tools used around the home and garden accounting for 59 per cent of incidents. This includes standalone battery cells at 29 per cent and power or garden tools at 30 per cent, while chargers made up the remaining 8 per cent.
Financial Impact and Safety Recommendations
The financial consequences are substantial, with total home and contents claims from lithium-ion battery fires reaching almost $16.7 million in 2025, up from $16.1 million in 2024. Chris Wood, emerging risk manager at Allianz, warned, "Our data has told us that these fires occur typically when people are asleep, so it's essential for people to be aware and remain vigilant."
Nearly one-third of lithium-ion battery fires occur in garages, followed by kitchens and dining areas, up from 25 per cent in 2020. This increase reflects how garages have evolved into multi-purpose spaces that often lack smoke alarms and store flammable items.
Essential Battery Safety Guidelines
Experts recommend several crucial safety measures to prevent battery-related fires:
- Charge devices in sight and unplug once fully charged, avoiding overnight charging
- Use only charging cables supplied by the device manufacturer
- Keep devices, batteries, and cords away from flammable materials such as bedding or clothing
- Install interconnected smoke alarms in charging areas, particularly in garages
- Handle batteries carefully to avoid impact, drops, overheating, or overcharging
As Queensland awaits the parliamentary inquiry's recommendations, the combination of rising injuries and fire risks highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to address the safety challenges posed by the e-mobility revolution.
