Queensland's Peak Medical Body Urges Immediate Action on E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety
The Australian Medical Association's Queensland branch (AMAQ) is advocating for swift reforms to enhance e-bike and e-scooter safety, as a parliamentary inquiry delves into the surge of injuries statewide. Dr. Nick Yim, president of AMAQ, highlighted to 7NEWS that emergency departments are witnessing an alarming increase in severe injuries linked to these devices, affecting diverse age groups, particularly inexperienced younger riders and adults impaired by substances.
Growing Crisis in Emergency Departments
Dr. Yim emphasized that reports indicate injuries span a broad demographic, with younger individuals often lacking experience while sharing roads with vehicles, and adults frequently involved in incidents where alcohol or drugs play a role. Authorities have warned that reckless behavior on e-mobility devices is contributing significantly to a rise in serious injuries and fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Proposed Safety Measures by AMA Queensland
To address this escalating issue, AMAQ is calling for a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at improving rider safety. Key proposals include:
- Age restrictions to prevent children from riding until they are older, as current laws in Queensland allow those under 16 to ride if supervised by an adult.
- Mandatory helmets for all riders to reduce head injuries in accidents.
- Speed caps to limit the severity of collisions and enhance overall safety.
- Mandatory education and rider training programs to promote responsible usage.
- Compliance and enforcement checks to ensure adherence to safety rules.
- Harmonisation of legislation to create consistent laws across the state, preventing loopholes and confusion.
Dr. Yim stressed that these measures are crucial to prevent further harm, noting that Queensland's e-scooter death toll was among the highest in the nation in 2025, with 14 fatalities recorded that year alone, including children.
Political and Enforcement Responses
The parliamentary inquiry is scheduled to deliver its final report by March 2026, after which the government will decide on implementing stricter laws. Police Minister Dan Purdie commended the inquiry for its extensive consultations with police and stakeholders, expressing anticipation for the findings. In contrast, Shadow Treasurer Shannon Fentiman criticized delays in enacting safer regulations, arguing that inaction has already cost lives, caused injuries, and created distress for street and footpath users, and called for immediate legislative changes to mitigate harm.
Recent Incidents and Crackdowns
The push for reform follows a series of devastating crashes across Queensland, prompting police action. Queensland Police have seized dozens of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters in a crackdown targeting dangerous riding and non-compliant devices. Notable incidents include a Brisbane tunnel crash, where officers executed search warrants and confiscated multiple illegal e-bikes from teenagers' homes. In response to the rising injury rates, some Queensland schools have introduced dedicated safety lessons for students, as authorities warn that teenagers are particularly vulnerable to risks associated with e-mobility devices.
