An eight-year-old boy died on Thursday after two e-bikes collided head-on on a path at Mountain Creek on the Sunshine Coast. The crash occurred about 3.30pm, and the 15-year-old rider of the other e-bike was not seriously injured.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has promised to reform e-bike laws following the tragedy. Speaking on the Sunshine Coast, he said, 'We are taking it seriously and you will see change. That's my commitment to every parent, every child and everyone who values community safety.'
Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski described the crash as an 'absolute tragedy' and said, 'Nothing should be off the table — we have got to keep our kids safe.' The forensic crash unit is investigating and appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage.
The incident is the latest in a series of serious e-bike and e-scooter accidents. Eight people died riding them in Queensland last year, and injuries have more than doubled in four years. A study found 176 children aged five to 15 were hospitalised with e-scooter injuries on the Sunshine Coast in 2023 and 2024.
A parliamentary inquiry into e-bike and e-scooter safety is underway, with a final report due in March. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has called for fast-tracked laws including licensing, registration, increased fines, and powers to impound and crush bikes of repeat offenders.
