Speed limits to be halved for e-scooter riders as part of state government reforms

The state government will make it illegal for people to speed on e-scooters and to ride them while drunk under sweeping reforms that will slash footpath speeds in half.

The state government will finally make it illegal for people to speed on e-scooters and to ride them while drunk under sweeping reforms that will slash footpath speeds in half.

But it’s not known when the new offences will be created with the government to undertake further work and consultation.

Following last year’s roundtable, Transport Minister Mark Bailey on Sunday announced speed limits would be halved to 12km/h on footpaths and warning devices such as bells would be mandated.

A working group will also be created to establish clear rules for e-scooter parking so footpaths are not obstructed for pedestrians.

And new offences to be drafted will make it illegal to speed and to also operate an e-scooter while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The “initial” reforms come almost four years after e-scooters were legalised in Queensland.

Annerley resident Lauren Whelan, 33, with Billie on an electric scooter and Justin Kannenberg, 37, with Franklin on an electric bike, South Bank. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Mr Bailey said during that time, the uptake in the transport devices had almost doubled compared to the national rate.

Asked why the reforms had taken so long, Mr Bailey said authorities had needed to monitor the rollout.

“The conversation in the community was very clear – that they wanted a better upgraded sense of regulation and that’s what we’re responding to,” he said.

While e-scooters can largely only be operated on footpaths, police often don’t have the power to throw the book at people doing the wrong thing.

Mr Bailey said motorists found speeding in cars or trucks were fined.

“If you’re speeding on an e-scooter you should get fined as well,” he said.

“You’ve got to ride or drive safely.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey during a press conference at Waterline Park, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Minister said many pedestrians felt threatened.

“One of the main issues ... is to hear that people with disabilities are feeling so threatened that they’re actually moving around in their community a lot less,” he said.

Queenslanders with Disability Network’s Elisha Matthews said she had been late to many appointments because e-scooters obstructed footpaths.

“I usually have to find another way around and it can be a very long journey,” she said.

“There’s been times where I’ve had to rely on the goodness of strangers that I can flag down.

“It’s the equivalent to parked cars on footpaths.”

A safety campaign focusing on how to correctly wear a helmet, how to ride safely, how to overtake pedestrians and how to keep footpaths clear will be rolled out immediately.