Queensland Walks’ position on the Queensland Government’s proposed e-mobility changes
Author’s note:
Queensland Walks has been a member of the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ Personal Mobility Devices (PMD) Safety and Parking Advisory Committee, contributing more than 80 hours of organisational expertise to provide advice to state and local government through formal committees, consultations and stakeholder forums.
While Queensland Walks has continued to strengthen walking safety and contribute to policy expertise since 2020, we were not in a position to contribute to the most recent Parliamentary Inquiry Amendment Bill 2026, following the cessation of our ongoing transport funding by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Our current focus is therefore on completing existing deliverables and securing funding to continue representing the interests of Queenslanders who walk, run, roll and stroll.
We note that the proposed e‑mobility changes do not reflect Queensland Walks’ recommendations to improve pedestrian safety. As a result, we are concerned that the proposed measures may have unintended negative impacts on walking and on the overall uptake of active transport. Our support for e‑mobility as an important part of the transport system remains unchanged.
Active transport (walking and riding), and the use of e‑mobility devices is a vital transport choice that should be enabled and encouraged by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Restrictive approaches that are not accompanied by appropriate infrastructure, enforcement and safe speeds risk undermining both walking safety and broader transport policy goals.
Queensland Walks position statement
1. Walking must remain the first priority
People walking, rolling and strolling, including children, older people and people with disability – must remain the highest priority on footpaths and shared paths. Regulation of e‑mobility should improve conditions for people walking and safely riding, not restrict active travel choices or displace risk elsewhere.
2. Blanket speed reductions on shared paths* are not supported
Queensland Walks does not support reducing e‑mobility speeds to 10 km/h on shared paths*. Existing limits (12 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h on shared paths) for e-scooters are already adequate when properly enforced.
Restricting speeds without addressing rider behaviour, illegal devices or infrastructure quality risks:
- discouraging e‑mobility use through licensing and excessive speed restrictions
- reducing passive surveillance on shared paths
- shifting users onto faster, more dangerous roads.
*Shared paths are considered by Queensland Walks as the well known commuter, creek or coastal pathways or recreational routes and rail trails that are enjoyed by active transport commuters and recreational users – often mislabelled as ‘bikeways’ (e.g. Kedron Brook shared path, Enoggera Creek shared path). We do not classify ‘shared paths’ to be wider footpaths usually found around schools, and often in higher pedestrian areas. In the case of wider footpaths we recommend the existing requirements of slowing, keeping left and giving way to pedestrians. More detail on speed management on pathways can be found in the Department of Transport and Main Road’s guideline: ‘ Speed management on shared paths August 2020’ https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/_/media/busind/techstdpubs/cycling/speed-management-on-shared-paths.pdf?sc_lang=en&hash=549881C8570C1A17C1DCD8F9B25C4AA0
3. Safety risks must not be shifted onto roads
If e‑mobility users are discouraged or excluded from footpaths and shared paths, urban traffic speeds must be reduced immediately and significantly to 40 km/hr or lower. The risk of e‑mobility users being hit by motor vehicles is far greater than the risk posed to pedestrians by compliant riders on compliant bikes. Safe speeds on all streets are essential to prevent transferring harm from one group to another.
4. Enforcement of existing rules is the priority
The greatest safety gains will come from consistent enforcement of current legislation, particularly:
- illegal e‑motorbikes
- excessive speeds in high‑pedestrian areas
- dangerous rider behaviour
- obstruction and clutter from hire devices.
Queensland Walks strongly supports targeted policing in known hotspots rather than broad restrictions that penalise compliant users. We do not support the requirement of licensing of users, nor limit the age of a rider on compliant and safe e-bikes.
5. Infrastructure investment is essential
E‑mobility, cycling and walking require safe, separated infrastructure. Restriction without investment will fail.
Queensland Walks calls for urgent and sustained investment in:
- physically separated paths
- raised priority crossings
- safer local streets designed for walking and riding
- high‑volume pedestrian precincts and commuter routes.
6. Better data, reporting and governance are overdue
Queensland needs a comprehensive, publicly accessible crash and injury reporting dashboard, including pedestrian injuries and hospitalisations.
Clear, fair and accurate reporting of crashes (not “accidents”) by Queensland Police Service and media is essential to inform policy and public understanding of circumstances and accurate reporting of devices (illegal e-bike vs legal safe e-bike, unlicensed e-motorbike with unregistered rider, illegal e-scooter etc etc.)
7. Funding active transport is critical
Walking and cycling should be funded and framed as desirable, everyday transport, not merely “vulnerable transport”.
Queensland Walks supports:
- continuation of the Walking, Cycling and Road Safety strategies
- transparent and publicly available data collection of crash and hospitalisation for walking and riding
- funding allocation of at least 20% of transport budgets to active transport
- stronger accountability for e-mobility hire companies, including penalties for non‑compliance.
Queensland Walks supports active transport in all its forms. New technology and transport choice must not come at the expense of the safety and enjoyment of people who walk. Safety is best achieved through suitable vehicles, safe vehicle speeds, separation, enforcement and investment, not blanket restrictions. Everyone – locals and visitors alike – has the right to feel safe and comfortable walking in Queensland.
Read our Position Statement on e-mobility here: https://queenslandwalks.org.au/position-statement-emobility/
Read our update on appearing at the Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility safety, July 2025 here: https://queenslandwalks.org.au/update-on-the-parliamentary-e-mobility-inquiry-22-july-2025/
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