A Queensland parliamentary committee has today recommended significant modifications to proposed e-bike and e-scooter legislation, particularly concerning speed limits and licensing requirements. The committee proposes a more nuanced approach to speed restrictions, suggesting the controversial 10km/h limit should be confined to footpaths in high pedestrian areas, with a 15km/h limit applying to shared paths only when within 10 metres of a pedestrian.
The committee's report, released nine hours ago, also advocates for an exemption to the proposed driver's license requirement for e-mobility device riders. This exemption aims to ensure individuals who cannot obtain a license due to disability, medical conditions, or age, but who can still ride safely, are not excluded. The age restriction of 16 years for riders has, however, been endorsed by the committee.
This intervention comes after widespread criticism of the original legislation, introduced to address community safety concerns. Proposed measures included a blanket 10km/h speed limit on shared pathways and a requirement for all riders to be over 16 and hold a driver's license. These initial proposals faced pushback from various groups, including disability advocates, cycling organizations like Bicycle Queensland, and industry bodies representing food delivery services and shared e-vehicle schemes. Concerns were raised that the strict rules could disproportionately affect people with disabilities, hinder active transport, and impact the viability of delivery businesses and shared mobility services.
Read More: Queensland E-bike Laws: Committee Suggests Changes to Speed and Age Rules
"The committee signed off on the age restriction but recommended an exemption to the licensing rule be made to ensure people who do not hold a driver's license due to disability, medical condition or age but who can still ride safely, are able to do so."
The push for these reforms stems from an inquiry into e-mobility devices, prompted by safety worries. While the government initially took a firm stance, the parliamentary committee's recommendations suggest a softening of this position. Organisations such as Vision Australia, however, maintained concerns about e-mobility devices on footpaths, even at low speeds, citing safety risks for individuals with vision impairments.
The committee has also recommended that the government review the proposed laws again after 12 months. Industry representatives had previously warned that the initial strict laws could potentially cripple services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, which rely heavily on e-bike and e-scooter couriers, and end shared e-vehicle schemes operated by companies such as Lime and Neuron. Riders themselves had voiced concerns that the original speed limits would significantly lengthen commute times.
