Are e-scooters legal in Queensland?
Yes, but since 31 August 2026 you generally need to be 16 and hold a driver licence. Supervised riders 12 and up, medical exemptions and trails are exempt. Footpaths are capped at 12 km/h and helmets are compulsory.
- Footpaths
- Yes. Keep left and give way to pedestrians 1
- Which roads
- Only roads signed 60 km/h or less, plus protected bike lanes on faster roads 1
- Your top speed
- 12 km/h on footpaths and crossings · 25 km/h elsewhere 1
- Minimum age
- 16, since 31 August 2026. From 12 with a parent, grandparent or guardian supervising close by 8
- Helmet
- Required (bicycle or motorbike helmet) 1
- Passengers
- Not allowed 1
- Your device
- It can't go over 25 km/h on motor power, has to be 60 kg or less, and no wider than 750 mm. Anything else is banned as a "prohibited bike" 1
- Licence & rego
- A valid driver licence, Queensland, interstate or overseas, unless an exemption applies: supervised riders 12 and up, a medical exemption certificate, or riding on a signposted trail. No registration 2
If you ride an e-scooter in Queensland, one thing changed for almost everyone on 31 August 2026: you now need a driver licence. Queensland rewrote the whole set of rules on 1 July 2026, and that is the piece most riders feel. 3
The practical effect is bigger than it sounds. A driver licence requirement doesn’t just add paperwork — it removes a group of riders entirely. Most people who have never held a licence can no longer legally ride an e-scooter on the street in Queensland, and that includes plenty of adults who get around without a car. There are three narrow exemptions, set out below.
What counts as a legal e-scooter in Queensland?
Since July 2026 a personal mobility device has to be electric, no more than 750 mm wide, 60 kg or less, and, new this time, incapable of exceeding 25 km/h on motor power. 1
s 15A(1)–(2) What counts as a personal mobility device Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 2009 (Qld) 1
(1) For schedule 4 of the Act, definition personal mobility device, paragraph (b), a vehicle is a personal mobility device if the vehicle—(a) has 1 or more wheels; and (b) is propelled by an electric motor; and (c) does not exceed any of the following dimensions—(i) a width of 750mm; (ii) a height of 1,350mm; (iii) if the vehicle has 2 or more axles—a wheelbase of 1,100mm; and (d) weighs 60kg or less when not carrying a person or other load; and (e) when propelled only by the electric motor, can not exceed a speed of 25km/h. (2) However, each of the following is not a personal mobility device—(a) a low powered toy scooter; (b) a motorised mobility device; (c) a vehicle with pedals; (d) a vehicle that is registered and, in connection with that registration, has a number plate attached.
Anything that fails that test is now a prohibited bike. It’s illegal to ride on any road, path or public place, with a $621 on-the-spot fine, and parents are liable when under-16s do it. 2
ss 6, 84B(1) What a "prohibited bike" is — and the ban Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) 2
6 What is a prohibited bike (1) Each of the following vehicles is a prohibited bike— […] (b) a noncompliant personal mobility device; […] noncompliant personal mobility device means a vehicle that resembles a personal mobility device but does not meet all elements of the definition of personal mobility device under this Act. […] 84B Riding prohibited bikes in public (1) A person must not ride a prohibited bike on a road, on a road-related area or in a public place. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
Older devices get a transition period. A scooter made before 1 July 2026 that met the old legal definition of a personal mobility device is still treated as one for now, even if it would not meet the current definition. So it is not a prohibited bike yet. 2
s 245(1), (3) Older devices are treated as compliant during the transition Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) 2
245 Transition period for formerly compliant power-assisted bicycles and personal mobility devices (1) During the transitional period, a reference in an Act or regulation to a personal mobility device is taken to include a vehicle that— (a) was manufactured before 1 July 2026; and (b) would have been a personal mobility device as defined under this Act immediately before the e-mobility reforms. […] (3) In this section— […] transitional period means the period starting on 1 July 2026 and ending on the day prescribed by regulation.
That transition ends on 28 February 2027. The date is set in law: a regulation fixes it as the day the transitional period closes. 9
s 177 The regulation sets that day: 28 February 2027 Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Accreditation and Other Provisions) Regulation 2015 (Qld), Part 8 Division 4 (transitional provision inserted by Act No. 13 of 2026, s 50A, in force 1 July 2026) 9
For the Act, section 245(3), definition transitional period, the day prescribed for the end of the transitional period is 28 February 2027.
From 1 March 2027 an older scooter has to meet the current limits, including the 25 km/h cap on motor power, or it becomes a prohibited bike. Queensland’s road-safety service, StreetSmarts, frames the same date as the deadline to have older devices limited to 25 km/h. 6
Do you need a licence to ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
Until 30 August 2026, no licence. Riders had to be 16 or over, or 12 and over with an adult supervising. 1
s 245A — until 30 Aug 2026 The old age rule (repealed 31 Aug 2026) Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 2009 (Qld) 1
A person riding a personal mobility device must be either—(a) at least 16 years; or (b) at least 12 years and supervised by an adult while riding the device. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
You have to be at least 16 and hold a valid Queensland or non-Queensland driver licence. That replaced the old rule on 31 August 2026. 3
s 78B(1) The age-and-licence rule Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Act 2026 (Qld) 3
A person must not ride an electrically power-assisted cycle or personal mobility device on a road, on a road-related area or in a public place unless the person—(a) is at least 16 years; and (b) holds either—(i) a valid Queensland driver licence; or (ii) a valid non-Queensland driver licence. Maximum penalty—30 penalty units.
Any valid Australian driver licence works. The Act’s “non-Queensland driver licence” means an interstate licence or a foreign one, so an overseas licence counts too. 2
There is a short transition on the licence rule. Until 29 November 2026 you have a defence if you had a reasonable excuse for not holding one. Don’t plan around it: the transport department describes that window as being for medical exemptions, so it is not a general grace period for anyone who hasn’t got around to it. The department’s page also says 30 November. Where the two disagree, work to the earlier date. 3
Three exemptions have applied since 31 August 2026. 8
- Supervised riding from age 12. A parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or a carer the regulation names, has to stay close enough the whole time to easily see and talk to you and give you instructions straight away, for example walking or riding beside or just behind you.
- A medical exemption. If you’re 16 or over and can’t get a licence only because of a medical condition or incapacity, a health practitioner can sign a medical exemption certificate. You have to carry it and follow its conditions.
- Trails. The age and licence rule doesn’t apply on a mountain-bike trail or rail trail open to the public and identified by signs, or on private land opened to the public for recreational cycling.
ss 129A(1), 129B(1), 129C(1) The three exemptions from the age-and-licence rule Transport Legislation (E-mobility Use) Amendment Regulation 2026 (Qld) 8
129A Exemption for child riding while under adult supervision—Act, s 78B (1) For section 78B(1A)(a) and (1B) of the Act, a child who is at least 12 years is exempt from complying with section 78B(1) of the Act while the child is under adult supervision if, at all times during the supervision, the adult is within sufficient physical proximity to the child to—(a) easily observe and communicate with the child; and (b) provide immediate instruction to the child. […] 129B Exemption for person with medical condition or physical or mental incapacity (1) For section 78B(1A)(b) and (1B) of the Act, a person is exempt from complying with section 78B(1) of the Act if—(a) the person is at least 16 years; and (b) the person is unable to hold or obtain a driver licence only because the person has a medical condition or a physical or mental incapacity; and (c) a medical exemption certificate is in effect for the person; and (d) while riding the electrically power-assisted cycle or personal mobility device, the person—(i) carries the medical exemption certificate; and (ii) complies with any conditions stated in the medical exemption certificate. […] 129C Exemption for person riding at particular places (1) For section 78B(1A)(c) and (1B) of the Act, a person is exempt from complying with section 78B(1) of the Act if the person is riding the electrically power-assisted cycle or personal mobility device at any of the following places—(a) a mountain bike trail; (b) a private recreational cycling facility; (c) a rail trail. […]
Where can you ride an e-scooter in Queensland, and how fast?
Footpaths and shared paths are legal. Queensland’s distinctive rule is the 12 km/h footpath cap, which also applies on crossings and when you pass a pedestrian on a shared path. Everywhere else the cap is 25 km/h. 1
s 24C(1) Speed limits by location Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 2009 (Qld) 1
The speed limit applying to the rider of a personal mobility device is—(a) for a rider riding across a road using a crossing on the road—12km/h; or (b) for a rider riding on a length of bicycle path, footpath, separated footpath or shared path to which a path speed limit sign or speed limit path marking applies—the lesser of the following—(i) the speed limit applying under section 24B; (ii) 25km/h; or (c) for a rider riding on a length of footpath, other than a separated footpath, to which no path speed limit sign or speed limit path marking applies—12km/h; or (d) if paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) do not apply—25km/h.
Roads are allowed only where the limit is 60 km/h or less, plus physically separated bicycle lanes on faster roads. Watch for “no personal mobility devices” signs, and remember your council can vary the footpath rules. 1
Do you need a helmet on an e-scooter in Queensland?
Yes. An approved bicycle or motorbike helmet is compulsory, and the fine tripled in the 2026 reforms to $518. Carrying a passenger costs the same, and is also banned. 4
Phone use while riding costs $1,295. 4 The usual conduct rules apply as well. No towing, no tailgating vehicles, lights at night, working brakes and a warning device, and no obstructive parking, which is $172. 1
Can you drink and ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
The July 2026 reforms created real drink-riding offences for e-scooters. Over 0.05 is $518 on the spot. Over 0.10 is $863. And riding under the influence is court-only, up to $6,908 or 9 months. Police can require a breath test and stop you riding for 8 hours. 2
s 79(2AAB), (7A) Drink riding offences Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) 2
(2AAB) A person who is 16 years or older and who rides a bicycle or personal mobility device on a road, on a road-related area or in a public place while the person is over the general alcohol limit but is not over the middle alcohol limit is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. … (7A) A person who, while under the influence of liquor or a drug, rides or is in charge of a bicycle or personal mobility device on a road, on a road-related area or in a public place, or attempts to put in motion a bicycle or personal mobility device …, is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units or 9 months imprisonment.
What happens if you’re stopped?
The licence rule changed who can legally ride, and a lot of riders won’t clear it.
From that date you need to be 16 and hold a valid driver licence, unless you’re riding under one of the three exemptions. An interstate or overseas licence counts. 2 8 Until 29 November 2026 there is a defence if you had a reasonable excuse for not holding a licence. Treat it as narrow. The transport department describes it as being for medical exemptions, and its page says 30 November, so work to the earlier date. 3 7
Police powers here go beyond a ticket. On top of the drink-riding offences set out above, an officer can stop you riding for 8 hours after a breath test. That applies on the spot, whatever happens to the charge later. 2
The device is the other half. A scooter that fails the definition is a prohibited bike, banned from every road, path and public place at $621 on the spot, and parents are liable when under-16s ride one. 2 Older devices have until 28 February 2027 to meet the current limits, including the 25 km/h cap on motor power. A regulation sets that date in law. 9
What it costs to get it wrong
| Offence | Penalty | Source |
|---|---|---|
| No helmet, carrying a passenger, riding a road over 60 km/h, riding without being 16+ and licensed (unless exempt), passing a shared-path pedestrian over 12 km/h, careless riding | $518 each on the spot | 4 |
| Using a mobile phone while riding (s 300) | $1,295 | 4 |
| Speeding (banded by how far over the limit) | $345 – $1,986 | 4 |
| Riding a prohibited bike in public (non-compliant device, Act s 84B) | $621 on the spot; court maximum $6,908 — parents liable for under-16s | 4 |
| Drink riding (over 0.05 / over 0.10 / under the influence) | $518 / $863 on the spot; riding under the influence is court-only, up to $6,908 or 9 months | 2 |
Common questions
Do you need a licence to ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
Yes, unless an exemption applies. You have to be at least 16 and hold a valid driver licence. The Act's "non-Queensland driver licence" covers interstate and foreign licences. The exemptions are supervised riders aged 12 and up, people 16 and over with a medical exemption certificate, and riding on a signposted public mountain-bike trail or rail trail, or a private cycling facility open to the public. There's a transitional reasonable-excuse defence for the licence requirement until 29 November 2026, though the transport department describes that grace period as being for medical exemptions. Before 31 August, no licence was needed. 3
How old do you have to be to ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
16 on your own, since 31 August 2026. From 12 you can ride while a parent, grandparent or guardian supervises close enough to see you, talk to you and give instructions. The age and licence rule also doesn't apply on a signposted public mountain-bike trail or rail trail, or a private cycling facility open to the public. Parents can be fined when under-16s break the riding rules. 8
Can you ride an e-scooter on the footpath (sidewalk) in Queensland?
Yes. Footpath riding is legal in Queensland, but capped at 12 km/h unless a sign sets a different path limit. Keep left and give way to pedestrians. 1
Do you have to wear a helmet on an e-scooter in Queensland?
Yes, an approved bicycle or motorbike helmet, securely fitted. The on-the-spot fine is $518, three times what it used to be before the July 2026 reforms. 4
How fast can you legally ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
12 km/h on footpaths and crossings, and when passing pedestrians on shared paths. 25 km/h everywhere else you're allowed to ride. Speeding fines run in bands from $345 up to $1,986. 1
Is my e-scooter itself legal in Queensland?
Only if it can't exceed 25 km/h on motor power, weighs 60 kg or less, and is no more than 750 mm wide. A device outside those limits is a "prohibited bike", which is illegal to ride anywhere public. That's a $621 fine, with a court maximum of $6,908. Older devices made before 1 July 2026 that met the old rules have until 28 February 2027 to meet the current limits, including the 25 km/h cap; a regulation sets that date in law. StreetSmarts, the state's road-safety service, describes it as the deadline to have older devices limited to 25 km/h. 2
Can you ride an e-scooter on the road in Queensland?
Only on roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less, and only if you follow the other rules. Physically separated bike lanes are also allowed on faster roads. You can cross a faster road by the shortest safe route. 1
Can you drink and ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
No. Queensland created specific drink-riding offences in July 2026. Over 0.05 is a $518 on-the-spot fine. Over 0.10 is $863. And over 0.15, or riding under the influence, is a court matter with penalties up to $6,908 or 9 months in prison. Police can also ban you from riding for 8 hours after a breath test. 2
Every source on this page
The small numbered marks throughout this page point to this list — 1 means source 1 below.
- Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 2009 (Qld), ss 15A, 24C, 245A, 246A, 250–252B, 256A, 300
- Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld), ss 6, 78B(2), 78D, 79, 84B, 245, sch 4
- Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Act 2026 (Qld), ss 2, 34 (new s 78B), 45 (new ss 245, 247), 56
- State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014 (Qld), Sch 1
- Penalties and Sentences Regulation 2025 (Qld), s 4 — penalty unit $172.70
- StreetSmarts Queensland — E-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles
- Queensland Government (TMR) — Personal mobility devices
- Transport Legislation (E-mobility Use) Amendment Regulation 2026 (Qld), ss 2, 6 (new ss 129A–129C of the Accreditation and Other Provisions Regulation 2015)
- Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Accreditation and Other Provisions) Regulation 2015 (Qld), Part 8 Division 4 (transitional provision inserted by Act No. 13 of 2026, s 50A, in force 1 July 2026), s 177 (end of transition)
Sourced from the Queensland Legislation website at 27 Aug 2026. For the latest information on Queensland Government legislation please go to https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au © State of Queensland. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Reproduced without changes. This is not an official version. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence.
Sourced from the Queensland Legislation website at 15 Oct 2026. For the latest information on Queensland Government legislation please go to https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au © State of Queensland. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Reproduced without changes. This is not an official version. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence.
Sourced from the Queensland Legislation website at 13 Oct 2026. For the latest information on Queensland Government legislation please go to https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au © State of Queensland. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Reproduced without changes. This is not an official version. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence.
Other rules for Queensland
- Are e-bikes legal in Queensland? Legal, with conditions
- How high can a fence be in Queensland? Legal, with conditions
- Is it legal to record a conversation in Queensland? Legal, with conditions
- What are the pool fence rules in Queensland? Legal, with conditions
E-scooters rules elsewhere
- Australian Capital Territory Legal, with conditions
- New South Wales Illegal
- Northern Territory Illegal
- South Australia Legal, with conditions
- Tasmania Legal, with conditions
- Victoria Legal, with conditions
- Western Australia Legal, with conditions
Page history
Every change to this page
- 15 Oct 2026
- Corrected the source of the 28 February 2027 older-device deadline. A register-direct read confirmed the regulation that section 245(3) points to has been made: section 177 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Accreditation and Other Provisions) Regulation 2015, inserted by the 2026 e-mobility amendment Act (Act No. 13) and in force from 1 July 2026, prescribes 28 February 2027 as the end of the transitional period, and section 245(1) applies that transition to personal mobility devices. The date is now cited to that regulation as a matter of law, with StreetSmarts kept as supporting context. The 9 October entry's statement that no such regulation had been made is superseded.
- 13 Oct 2026
- Added the exemptions to the 16-and-licence rule that took effect on 31 August 2026: riders 12 and over with a parent, grandparent or guardian supervising, people 16 and over with a medical exemption certificate, and riding on signposted public mountain-bike trails and rail trails or private cycling facilities. The page had said these were still to come. Also corrected the licence wording: the Act accepts interstate and foreign licences.
- 9 Oct 2026
- Cluster re-check against the Queensland register. The 31 August 2026 reforms are confirmed commenced and in force, and the penalty unit ($172.70 for 2026–27) and every fine are confirmed current. Corrected the 28 February 2027 device deadline: it is StreetSmarts's compliance date for limiting older devices to 25 km/h, not a cut-off in the Act — s 245 leaves that to a regulation not yet made — so it is now attributed to the regulator rather than cited to the legislation.
- 3 Sept 2026
- The 31 August 2026 licence and minimum-age rules have commenced — the Road Rules reprint current from 31 August 2026 states every provision has commenced. The page was still written as though they were coming. Facts unchanged, tense corrected.
- 27 Aug 2026
- First published, days before the 31 August 2026 licence rule starts. Current to the 1 July 2026 Queensland reforms.