E-scooters Qld: Parliamentary inquiry to shake up industry

A surge in deaths and serious injuries from the use of e-scooters has triggered a landmark parliamentary inquiry into the industry.

Brisbane, 27 February 2025. Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg during a press conference in Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

• Editor’s view: Regulation needed

Rising numbers of deaths and serious injuries has prompted a landmark parliamentary inquiry into the use of personal mobility devices including e-scooters.

The inquiry will run for almost a year and canvass everything from where scooters can be parked to restrictions on the import of commercial and private devices.

Injuries to personal mobility riders, passengers and pedestrians rose 112 per cent between 2021 and 2024.

Last year eight riders died.

The number of people presenting to hospitals with personal mobility device-related injuries more than doubled from 773 in 2021 to 1638 in 2024.

The parliamentary inquiry will focus on the benefits of e-mobility devices, safety risks, enforcement options and importation laws.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said all options were on the table, but it is understood e-scooters and e-bikes are unlikely to be banned.

“The increase in injuries and deaths we are seeing because of unsafe and unlawful riding cannot be ignored and I share the community’s concern,” Mr Mickelberg said.

E-scooters for hire in Brisbane

“Labor failed to tackle dangerous and illegal e-scooter and e-bike use and left our police service woefully understaffed to enforce the regulations.

“The Crisafulli Government will hold a Parliamentary Inquiry to ensure we are doing everything we can to boost safety for both pedestrians and riders.

“We want to hear from community members, road use groups, disability advocates, health and trauma experts, academia, the e-mobility industry, and all levels of government.

“It’s important we consider all research and opinions, to ensure a safe and reliable future for e-scooters and e-bikes, especially as we welcome visitors from all over the world for the 2032 Games.”

Mr Mickelberg argued the former government ignored the availability and use of illegal e-scooter and e-bikes with high-powered motors and throttle control.

In 2023 the Palaszczuk government made it an offence for a rider to ride without due care and attention on a footpath, bike path or shared path.

Riders are banned from travelling more than 12km/h on footpaths and 25km/h on separated and bicycle paths.

Currently, riders aged between 12 and 15 must be supervised by an adult.

Originally published as E-scooters Qld: Parliamentary inquiry to shake up industry