eScooter and eBike accidents in Queensland
Compensation Law
Have you been injured in an electronic scooter accident? Understand your rights and how to claim compensation
Electric scooters and e-bikes have become a fast, fun, and eco-friendly way to get around Queensland’s urban centres — but as their popularity has surged, so too has the number of accidents and electric scooter injuries.
If you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident or e-bike accident, understanding your legal rights and navigating the claims process can be confusing and overwhelming.
At Attwood Marshall Lawyers, we’re here to make sure you can access the compensation you deserve if you have suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence. With expert knowledge of Queensland’s laws — and how they differ from other states like New South Wales and Victoria — we help scooter riders and pedestrians get the treatment they need and compensation they deserve.
The rise of eScooter use in Queensland
From Brisbane’s CBD to the Gold Coast’s beachside tracks, electric scooters and e-bikes are now a common sight. Whether privately owned or hired through shared platforms, they’re a convenient option for short trips. But their use has outpaced the rules and regulations designed to keep people safe.
Common hotspots for accidents:
- Busy pedestrian footpaths
- Shared bicycle lanes
- Tourist areas with high foot traffic
- School zones and suburban streets
e scooter accidents
According to data from Queensland Health and recent media investigations, emergency departments across the state are seeing a sharp rise in e-scooter injuries — particularly among children, pedestrians, and inexperienced riders.
Common causes of e scooter and e bike accidents:
- Collisions with pedestrians
- Rider loss of control at speed
- Unsafe or defective scooters
- Intoxicated riding
- Lack of helmet or safety gear
Many escooter accidents result in serious injuries – from broken bones and head trauma to permanent disability. Yet, for many victims, there’s little clarity about legal options and what to do next or if you are entitled to claim compensation similar to what you can when injured in a motor vehicle accident.
Can you claim compensation for an e scooter injury?
In Queensland, whether or not you’re entitled to compensation following an electric scooter accident depends on how the accident occurred, who was at fault, and whether the e-scooter or e-bike was privately owned, hired, or unregistered.
If you’ve been injured by a negligent e-scooter rider, or while riding an e-bike or scooter yourself due to someone else’s fault, you may have a claim under Queensland’s personal injury laws — but it’s not always straightforward.
Here’s why:
- Most e-scooters are not registered and lack third-party insurance, making it difficult to seek damages unless the rider has personal cover or assets.
- Unlike cars and motorbikes, e-scooters are not required to carry CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance in Queensland.
- If the rider is a minor, liability may extend to the owner of the vehicle — and potentially, their home and contents insurer if covered under this.
- Hire scooters (like those from Lime or Neuron) may carry some level of insurance, but the electric scooter accident claims process can be complex and policy limitations apply.
This legal gap means many victims find themselves unable to claim — even when someone else is clearly at fault.
Why further regulations are necessary for e scooters and e bikes
In response to a significant rise in electric scooter accidents and e-bike related injuries and fatalities, the Queensland Government has initiated a Parliamentary Inquiry into e-scooter and e-bike safety. Between 2021 and 2024, there was a 112 per cent increase in injuries involving personal mobility devices (PMDs), passengers, and pedestrians, with eight fatalities reported in the last year alone.
The Inquiry, led by the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee, will address several critical aspects including:
- Looking at the causes behind the surge in accidents and exploring measures to mitigate them.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of current laws governing PMDs and considering reforms to enhance safety.
- Reviewing the adequacy of enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Investigating the importation of high-powered and throttle-controlled devices that may not meet safety standards.
- Developing strategies to improve public awareness about the safe use of e-scooters and e-bikes.
- Gathering insights from community members, health professionals, industry experts, and advocacy groups.
Our Compensation Law Senior Associate, Henry Garrett, provided a submission to the inquiry offering his recommendations as to what legislation and regulations need to be introduced to better protect pedestrians, and other road users, and reduce the occurrences of injuries caused by e-bikes and e-scooters.
Attwood Marshall Lawyers is advocating for change
Attwood Marshall Lawyers Legal Practice Director Jeff Garrett recently spoke to the media about the urgent need for e-scooters and e-bikes to be registered and insured, just like cars or mobility scooters. He called on the Queensland Government inquiry to recommend:
- Mandatory registration of all e-scooters and e-bikes
- Implementation of age limits and training requirements
- Speed and safety controls
- Clear liability coverage through third-party insurance
Without these changes, too many Queenslanders will continue to fall through the cracks after serious accidents and not receive compensation for injuries.
Queensland vs other states: know the difference
Each state has different rules when it comes to electric scooters and e-bikes. Here’s how Queensland stacks up:
| QLD | NSW | VIC | |
| Ride on footpaths? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Max speed limit | 25km/h | 20km/h on roads and 10km/h (shared paths) | 20km/h |
| Registration required? | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| CTP insurance required? | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Helmet mandatory? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Bottom line: Queensland allows more freedom but provides less protection when something goes wrong.
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Injured in an eScooter or eBike accident? Attwood Marshall Lawyers can help
We’ve helped countless Queenslanders recover compensation after accidents that weren’t their fault. When it comes to an e scooter accident and e-bike accident claim, we know the law, the loopholes, and how to fight for your rights.
We can provide expert legal guidance and help you:
- Understand whether you’re eligible to make a claim for compensation
- Investigate and gather evidence to prove fault
- Identify possible insurance coverage
- Deal with e scooter companies or private parties
- Seek compensation for hospital expenses, medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering
We act on a No Win, No Fee basis when assisting with an e scooter accident claim, so you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
To seek legal advice about your specific circumstances and the personal injury claims process, please call us on 1800 621 071 or start a live chat with our team. Our experienced personal injury claims lawyers are available for appointments at any of our conveniently located offices.
