Ban under-16s from riding ebikes and e-scooters then require a driver’s licence, Queensland inquiry to recommend
A Queensland parliamentary inquiry recommends banning under-16s from riding ebikes and e-scooters and requiring a driver’s license for riders over 16.
A recent parliamentary inquiry in Queensland, Australia, is set to propose a ban on children under the age of 16 from riding ebikes and e-scooters, advocating for stricter safety measures. The recommendations were finalized by an inquiry dominated by the Liberal National Party (LNP) and are part of an effort to enhance the safety and regulation of e-mobility vehicles in the state. This move aligns with suggestions from prominent organizations such as the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland and the Australian Medical Association's Queensland branch, underlining a growing concern over the safety of young riders.
In addition to the age restriction, the inquiry plans to mandate that riders aged 16 and above must obtain a driver's license, specifically a learner's license that necessitates the completion of an online exam focused on road rules. This requirement is seen as a means to improve awareness of traffic safety among youth who partake in e-mobility. The learner license also incurs a fee, emphasizing a financial aspect to the regulations being discussed.
These recommendations come as Queensland seeks to address rising concerns about the safety of ebikes and e-scooters on public roads, particularly involving younger riders. The inquiry has accelerated its timeline, revealing an urgency to introduce these regulations as more individuals adopt these forms of transport. As discussions progress, the implications of these recommendations could significantly alter how e-mobility is perceived and regulated in Queensland, potentially influencing similar debates in other regions of Australia and beyond.