‘Qlders are dying’: Crisafulli blasted as e-bike deaths stack up
David Crisafulli has been called out for “not enforcing” laws which could save lives as e-bike deaths continue to climb.
Premier David Crisafulli is resisting pressure to fast-track urgent reforms for controversial e-mobility devices despite the deaths of a teenager and a young boy within days of each other.
Eight-year-old Zeke Hondow was killed in an e-bike collision on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday, and then just two days later 15-year-old Gold Coast boy Fudou Stovell died after crashing an electric dirt bike near a Broadbeach pedestrian crossing.
Mr Crisafulli declared “change is coming” as calls for action before Christmas grow, with bikes at the top of many children’s wish lists, but one of Queensland’s peak motoring bodies has joined calls for “immediate action”, saying the government isn’t enforcing existing laws.
On Sunday the Premier remained steadfast, saying a parliamentary committee overlooking an inquiry into e-scooters and e-bikes must do its job, signalling no major changes would be made before the report is handed to the state government in March.
This includes the possibility of imposing a minimum age limit of 16 for riders of all e-mobility devices as an interim solution.
“I think it’s appropriate that we allow the committee to do its job, and when they report back to government, we will deal with a solution, and I think that shows a respect to the committee process,” he said.
“I make a promise to every Queenslander, we are going to fix this, and we are going to do it properly.
“Change is coming.”
Calls have grown louder for the state government to fast-track a review that had been scheduled to drag on until at least next March.
The Motor Trades Association of Queensland wants the state and Federal Governments to take “urgent enforcement action”, citing existing laws which already deem many of the vehicles involved in an increasing number of serious accidents illegal.
MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm said it was time to crack down on the unsafe and often illegal vehicles.
“Enough is enough – Queenslanders are dying because unsafe and unregulated vehicles are being sold and ridden with no oversight,” he said.
“Every day these high-powered machines find their way onto our roads, bikeways and parks is another day lives are on the line.
“The laws exist – the government just isn’t enforcing them.”
Under the existing Commonwealth Road Vehicles Act (2018), non-compliant vehicles – such as e-bikes and e-scooters which exceed dictated engine speeds or have post-manufactured modifications, can be confiscated and/or destroyed.
Queensland laws also allow for illegal vehicles to be impounded and forfeited “with forfeited vehicles able to be destroyed”.
The MTAQ is also calling for a statewide crackdown on importers, retailers, and online sellers promoting illegal or modifiable e-bikes.
“The government must act now - confiscate them, prosecute those selling them, and shut this trade down before more families are torn apart,” said Mr Camm.
MTA Queensland has long warned that the rapid proliferation of illegal and modified e-bikes, e-scooters, and other motorised devices pose a serious public safety risk and pleaded for reform in submissions made to the state government’s parliamentary inquiry on the issue.
“Any motorised vehicle that can travel more than 6km per hour without pedalling is not a bicycle – it’s an illegal motorcycle, and it should be treated as one,” said Mr Camm.
“Instead, we have children riding high-powered, unregulated machines with no safety standards, no registration, no insurance, and no training. It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, and it’s killing people.”
Six weeks ago, 17-year-old Tallebudgera teenager Hudson Gagg died after the e-bike on which he was a passenger collided with an SUV.
There has been a total of 10 deaths in Queensland this year, and pressure is growing on the state government to fast-track its long-awaited crackdown on e-bikes.
Mayor Tom Tate, who last month wrote to Mr Crisafulli demanding change, said the latest tragedy, along with the spate of similar recent incidents, made acting before Christmas a must.
Queensland Police Chief Superintendent Kylie Rigg on Saturday said the devices were on many children’s festive wishlists.
“This really is a terrible tragedy,” Mr Tate said.
“Our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this time.
“With a growing number of incidents I urge the government to fast track their response.”
Mr Crisafulli said the state government would not have a “kneejerk” reaction.
“The way to do that is to make sure that every Queensland can have their say, but also that the committee can actually do their job to put forward reforms that become bulletproof,” he said.
The committee was initially set to report back by the end of the year, but was extended by months at the last minute.
Leading lawyer Jeff Garrett, of Coolangatta firm Attwood Marshall, who contributed to the parliamentary inquiry, said it was essential the government deliver change.
“What I observe every day after work when I walk along the Coolangatta foreshore is e-bikes flying thick and fast and I have seen so many near-misses,” he said.
“It is the same story everywhere you go.
“Whatever the government does in relation to its review, it must sort out the compliance of it, such as whether they need to be registered.
“You have to move with the times and these things are so prevalent now.”
Opposition transport spokesman Bart Mellish called for interim solutions, including banning e-mobility devices for under-16s.
“This interim measure, alongside an education campaign to promote safe riding behaviours, could have an immediate impact,” he said.
“Queenslanders cannot wait another five months for a solution, we need strong and decisive action now.”
Acting Superintendent Michelle Piket from Queensland Police said officers remained committed to ensuring e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMDs) were used “safely and responsibly” and would take illegal vehicles off the roads.
“We’re seeing far too many high-powered electric bikes and motorcycles being ridden illegally and at dangerous speeds on our roads and footpaths,” she said.
“These vehicles can cause serious harm or even death when used irresponsibly.
“Police will continue to run proactive operations and patrols to detect unsafe behaviour and remove illegal PMDs from our streets.”
Police urge all riders to ensure their devices comply with Queensland road rules, including speed, registration, and licensing requirements.
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Originally published as ‘Qlders are dying’: Crisafulli blasted as e-bike deaths stack up
