The Queensland government has introduced new laws around e-bike and e-scooter use, including speed limits, licensing requirements and stricter penalties against rule breaking or the operation of illegal devices. But the fight for compensation after an accident remains far from straightforward, writes Attwood Marshall Lawyers Compensation Law Senior Associate Henry Garrett.
The growing e-scooter safety crisis
On 1 July 2026, Queensland rolled out a range of new laws to improve the safety of growing e-bike and e-scooter use across the state.
From introducing speed limits and parental liability to giving police more enforcement powers, the changes represent a significant step forward. There are further licensing requirements and age restrictions that will come into force from 31 August 2026.
The reforms come after Queensland’s parliamentary inquiry into e-scooter and e-bike safety released 28 recommendations to tackle long-standing safety and regulatory failures. The report said that in 2025, 12 people died in e-mobility vehicle accidents, including several children.
A significant number of people now opt for these vehicles to get them to and from work or school, given their convenience and eco-friendly status. There is also a huge presence of “Lime” shared vehicles strewn throughout the neighbourhood, waiting for their next prospective ride.
Pedestrian spaces are routinely occupied by fast-moving riders, creating a dangerous environment for pedestrians and exposing the community to serious accidents.
According to Queensland’s Injury Surveillance Unit, which sources data from 30 emergency departments across the state, there has been a 100 per cent increase of e-scooter related presentations to the emergency department between 2021 and 2024, with nearly 80 per cent involving riders not wearing a helmet or speeding. Young riders (aged 15–24) represent a large portion of those injured.
Common injuries include head trauma, serious orthopaedic injuries and internal bleeding.
In September 2025, a 17-year-old was fatally injured after the e-bike he was a pillion passenger on collided with a car on Tallebudgera Creek Road on the Gold Coast. The e-bike rider – also 17 years old – was taken to the hospital with leg and facial injuries, while the car driver – a 65-year-old man – was treated for shock and emotional distress.
Queensland’s system has changed
From 1 July 2026:
- 12km/hr speed limit on footpaths
- Maximum speed of 25km/hr on roads
- New police powers to seize and destroy illegal devices
- Parents will be fined for any under 16s riding illegally
- Higher penalties for speeding, drink riding, failing to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers or riding on prohibited roads.
From 31 August 2026:
- Riders must be 16 years or older and have a valid driver license (minimum learner)
- Exemptions will apply to riders aged 12 to 17 if supervised by an adult
The changes stem from Queensland’s parliamentary inquiry into e-scooter and e-bike safety. Released on 4 March 2026, the committee’s report outlined 28 recommendations to tackle the insurance problem as well as more wide-ranging issues around how to make our streets safer. The report was the result of over 1,200 submissions and testimony from 140 witnesses.
In its response, the Queensland government supported nearly all the recommendations. However, it did not address the gaps in our insurance scheme that do not allow all injured claimants a clear passage for adequate compensation. These vehicles are new to our streets, particularly in such high numbers, and the system is still playing catch up.
In our own submission to the parliamentary inquiry, we called for a restricted registration and an insurance scheme for all e-bikes and e-scooters, similar to what is already in place for mobility scooters, where there is an insurance company who indemnifies the ‘at fault’ rider in the aftermath of a collision.
We also set out the need for more enforcement action against wrongdoing such as speeding or riding while intoxicated to increase rider accountability, as well as better and earlier education on road safety within schools.
It is disappointing that the reforms did not directly address the insurance gap. For example, the parliamentary inquiry recommended that devices capable of exceeding 25km/hr be classified as motorcycles, requiring registration and insurance. Instead, the government has announced that devices faster than 25km/hr will be banned, rather than introducing a registration and insurance framework.
The need for improved insurance options
Claims arising from e-scooter or e-bike accidents are generally more complex than ordinary road accidents. This is due to the absence of any compulsory insurance policy held over these vehicles, unlike our usual CTP scheme for registered motor vehicles.
The following routes are available for compensation if another individual is at fault:
- If the negligent party was driving a motor vehicle, they are entitled to commence a claim against the at-fault vehicle’s CTP insurer, or
- If the incident occurred while travelling to, from, or for work, the rider or injured pedestrian may be entitled to compensation under their workers’ compensation scheme.
A homeowner’s public liability or home and contents insurance may also extend to incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters, but this type of policy is very rare.
The main issue that remains in circumstances where the rider of the e-bike or e-scooter is found to be at-fault for an accident, they are often found personally liable for any losses suffered as a result of the collision.
This burden extends to legal guardians for minors, who are often lumped with hefty medical bills or repairs to vehicles or property. For adults, they are capable of being pursued directly by an aggrieved party, or an insurance company.
While private insurance options do exist for e-scooters and e-bikes, coverage varies significantly between providers. Most policies include some combination of theft protection, accidental damage, and third-party liability, but the extent of that coverage depends on how the vehicle is used. Importantly, insurance is not a legal requirement, meaning many riders are likely out on the road entirely unprotected.
The relevant legislation, rules and regulations governing compensation differ widely across the states and territories of Australia.
If e-scooters and e-bikes are to become a permanent mode of public transport, better regulation of and access to insurance products must continue to progress to meet the demand for these vehicles.
E-bikes are a fun and convenient mode of transport, but most people can’t afford to pay a personal injury claim (and the legal costs involved) out of their pocket if an unfortunate event does occur.
Attwood Marshall Lawyers – helping people receive the treatment they need and compensation they deserve after being injured in an accident
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.
Making a compensation claim and dealing with insurance providers can be daunting for many people. Our personal injury lawyers are here to advocate for you and fight to get you the best result so you can focus on what matters most, your health and your recovery.
To get your claim underway or to discuss your unique matter confidentially and our no win no fee service, please contact our Compensation Law department by phoning 1800 621 071. You can also book an appointment by using our instant online booking app.
Our experienced team is available at our conveniently located offices at Robina Town Centre, Coolangatta, Southport, Kingscliff, Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
