Queensland takes action on illegal e-motorbikes  

Bicycle Queensland is delighted that the Queensland Government has taken action on multiple fronts to clamp down on the illegal e-motorbikes that have proliferated on our streets, parks and footpaths. 

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has formally notified retailers that it will begin proactive compliance checks across the state. This is a significant development that aligns with Bicycle Queensland’s calls over the past 12 months for tougher oversight on the sale of non-compliant devices. This will hopefully reduce the number of throttle-driven e-motorbikes and conversion kits that do not meet Queensland’s e-bike regulations. This action will be of great relief to the many bike shops only selling legal e-bikes, which were not the problem.  

The QPS have also launched Operation X-ray Surety to enforce e-mobility compliance, targeting the use of non-compliant devices around Brisbane. This has included additional patrols but also safety education sessions run in schools. Earlier this week over 150 e-mobility infringement notices had been issued. The police have been visiting schools in the Logan area, to promote safety messaging around what constitutes a legal e-bike, and the types of e-motorbikes that are not legal to be used on public streets, parks or paths in Queensland. 

Further, state Transport Ministers are set to meet with the Commonwealth Government this month and changes to Australia’s import laws on e-motorbikes are firmly on the agenda. It is understood that Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, has been helping lead the call for change. The Commonwealth has been slow in responding to what has been happening in our state, where three young people have lost their lives in October and November thus far. Bicycle Queensland continues to call on the Commonwealth Government to move swiftly.  

Bicycle Queensland CEO Professor Matt Burke referred specifically to the announcement from the Office of Fair Trading saying:  

“This is a good step towards protecting riders and parents from unknowingly buying unsafe products. A whole industry had emerged of retailers whose main business model seemed to be selling illegal e-motorbikes to parents and kids. Using Fair Trading powers to clamp down on this was a key suggestion in Bicycle Queensland’s submission to the current Parliamentary Inquiry into E-Mobility Safety and Use. We are pleased that the Government has moved on this. But further action may well be needed to stop retailers selling illegal e-motorbikes ‘for use on private property only’ with a nod and a wink, knowing full-well customers are buying them for use on-road and in public spaces.” 

Bicycle Queensland wishes to thank our partners who’ve worked on this advocacy campaign, including Queensland Walks, the RACQ, The Motor Traders Association of Qld, and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.  

Prof Burke said, “There is still much to do. We now look to the Commonwealth Government to re-introduce appropriate import restrictions and ensure illegal e-motorbikes can’t so easily enter Australia. This will help cut the problem off at the source and stop the deaths we’re seeing in Queensland spreading interstate.” 

Prof Burke said, “Thankfully there are so many awesome bikes and legal e-bikes to choose from no-one ever needs to buy an illegal motorbike. Just looking at some of the mountain bikes that are for sale today in reputable bike shops, there are fantastic options.” 

What the OFT Will Do 

In a letter sent to importers, wholesalers, and retailers this week, the OFT warns that: 

• Many devices are being marketed and sold as legal e-bikes when they are not legal for use on roads and paths. 

• Using these high-powered devices in public spaces has already resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. 

• Businesses may face penalties of up to $50 million for corporations and $2.5 million for individuals under the Australian Consumer Law if they misrepresent illegal devices as compliant. 

The OFT have said that they will visit Queensland suppliers to clarify the law and will follow up with a targeted compliance program examining whether retailers are misleading customers about the legality of their products. 

What counts as a legal E-Bike in Queensland 

To be considered legal for use on public roads and paths in Queensland, a device must meet all of the following criteria: 

• It is predominantly pedal-powered. 

• The motor only provides assistance while the rider is pedalling. 

• Throttle control is permitted only up to 6km/h – also known as walk-mode 

• The motor has a maximum continuous power rating of 250 watts. 

• The motor cuts out at 25km/h, and the bike can be pedalled at higher speeds 

• High-powered motors are never legal, even if software-limited to appear compliant. 

Any device that exceeds these limits is classified as a motorcycle and must meet TMR vehicle registration requirements.  

Many retailers continue to sell high-powered throttle-driven electric motorbikes without making this clear to customers – a practice BQ has strongly campaigned against. 

Protecting riders, parents, and communities 

BQ firmly believes that compliant e-bikes are safe, sustainable transport options helping commuters and boosting recreational cycling and cycling tourism. The problem lies with high-powered, throttle-controlled illegal motorbikes that are being passed off as bicycles and sold to riders, including children, with tragic consequences. 

BQ encourages consumers to look for devices certified to EN15194 (the European Standard for power-assisted bicycles) and to seek advice from reputable retailers. Further details are available via our E-bike rules page. 

BQ will continue advocating for stronger national import rules, better enforcement, and clearer public education, ensuring Queenslanders can enjoy the benefits of legal e-bikes whilst maintaining road safety.