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Advocacy

BQ attends inaugural LGAQ Active Transport Forum

Bicycle Queensland interim CEO Liana Heath and Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack attended the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) first-ever Active Transport Forum on Friday 15 August.

This is a great initiative by LGAQ because it gives an opportunity for larger Councils with more resources and more staff to share their innovations and resources with smaller Councils. This inaugural forum had presentations from TMR experts on safe bicycle infrastructure design, and from Councils on projects including safe street environments around schools and connecting sections of bikeway. Bicycle Queensland’s presentation looked at the feedback we received from holding forums for bike riders across every major centre in the state.

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Advocacy

Tragedy in WA underscores need for urgent action on illegal high-powered e-bikes 

Bicycle Queensland extends our sympathies to the family and community of the woman tragically killed over the weekend in Edgewater, Perth. She died after being struck by a high-powered, unregistered electric motorbike, which Police say was being ridden recklessly by a 17-year-old who has since been charged with manslaughter.  

This devastating incident is a stark reminder that the widespread availability and misuse of illegal e-mobility devices pose serious risks not only to those who ride them, but to every user of shared paths, roads and other public spaces. 

While the incident occurred in Western Australia, the same types of devices are easily purchased in-store and online in Queensland, despite being illegal to use on public roads and paths. 

“The e-motorcycle device actually does have a place legally – on purpose-built motocross tracks such as QLD Moto Park near Boonah,” said Andrew Demack, Director of Advocacy at Bicycle Queensland. “But using these devices on paths and roads in our suburbs and cities is just as dangerous and illegal as young people hooning on petrol-powered motorbikes – except maybe more dangerous because they are much quieter.” 

These devices – often incorrectly marketed as e-bikes – can travel up to 60 km/h and beyond purely under throttle assistance from the motors that can have 5000W of power or more. The e-motorbikes are not even equipped with pedals, and far exceed Australia’s legal limit of 250W continuous power and 25 km/h of pedal-assisted speed. That makes them, by law, unregistrable electric motorbikes – yet they are still widely available online and in some retail stores. 

Many are purchased by teenagers and less experienced riders, with little awareness of the legal or safety risks. Public frustration is rising, with increasing reports of these high-powered devices being used recklessly on bikeways, footpaths, and walking trails and mountain bike trails across Queensland – and Australia. 

Bicycle Queensland supports e-mobility as part of a healthy, sustainable transport future. But safety and legal clarity must come first – as outlined in our position statement and presentation to the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry on e-mobility

We call on the Queensland Government to: 

  • Enforce existing laws around illegal e-bikes and PMDs with immediate effect 
  • Ban the sale of non-compliant devices that exceed speed and power limits 
  • Support public education to help people understand what’s legal and safe 
  • Empower police and transport officers to test and remove illegal vehicles 
  • Encourage speed-governing measures on existing devices where possible 

Queensland has an opportunity right now to address this issue to prevent future harm. The current mix of unclear rules, unregulated sales, and growing use of high-powered devices is a recipe for exactly the kind of fatal incident we saw in Perth. Not if, but when. 

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Advocacy Press releases

Bicycle Queensland’s response to the Parliamentary Inquiry on e-mobility

On July 22, Bicycle Queensland joined Queensland Walks in presenting to the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into E-Mobility, alongside representatives from RACQ, QFES, QUT’s Centre for Future Mobility, Dr Richard Buning from UQ, Lime, Neuron and Foucoult Dynamics.

The session highlighted both the promise and the pressure of the e-mobility boom, especially in urban areas. Key concerns from those who presented ranged from the safety of privately imported and modified devices, to rider education, infrastructure gaps, and the need for clear and enforceable regulations.

BQ’s submission called for:

  • Increased investment in active transport, especially separated infrastructure
  • Mode share targets to guide planning and transport policy – aiming for 10% of trips via active transport (walking or riding)
  • Investment in infrastructure to match the mode share goals – lifting from the current funding of under 1% of total transport funding
  • A stronger focus on the desirability and safety of walking and cycling, especially as urban congestion grows
  • A reduction of speed limits on local streets to 40km/h to protect vulnerable road users
  • Match import and sales regulations for e-mobility devices to the legislated standards, and run a professional public education campaign to support that

BQ’s Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack pointed out that the need for separated infrastructure for all riders was essential. But clarification is required around what a shared path is, and what a bike path is. Currently the differences and therefore the e-mobility speed limits for the different paths, is not signed. This has lead to confusion for many users.

Queensland Walks was clear on their message, that the rise in e-mobility must not come at the cost of walking and riding. “Footpaths are for walking,” Queensland Walks President Greg Vann reminded the inquiry, urging dedicated infrastructure for all micro-mobility users to avoid conflict and confusion.

Other presenters shared concerns about non-compliant devices, particularly e-scooters capable of exceeding 25km/h, which RACQ identified as unregistered mopeds. Both RACQ and QFES supported crackdowns on illegal imports especially around unregistered e-motor bikes that are frequently sold as e-bikes. They have called for stronger battery safety standards, and emphasised the need to educate both riders and parents about what the rules are.

Commercial hire operators Lime and Neuron along with manufacturer Foucoult Dynamics presented their safety records and called for better infrastructure and clearer parking policies, while academic experts from QUT and UQ reinforced that improved infrastructure – not stricter rules – has the biggest impact on compliance and safety.

BQ Interim CEO Liana Heath reminded the inquiry that active transport delivers connectivity, access, equity, and health benefits across the community – values at the heart of the Brisbane 2032 legacy that the Queensland Government is committed on delivering.

Where to from here?

The inquiry is ongoing, with more presentations being made on both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Bicycle Queensland believes that there is already a need for immediate action from the Queensland State Government in three key areas:

Infrastructure: the lack of specific infrastructure for bikes and e-scooters was a common theme, with all presenters highlighting that the lack of purpose-made infrastructure was one of the leading issues for injuries. Additionally, forcing e-mobility devices and bikes onto footpaths has reduced confidence in walking – which is the main mode of transport for everyone. Proper investment in separated paths is an immediate requirement, with transport funding to match a mode shift goal.

Illegal imports: BQ and RACQ pointed out, many of the e-devices (both illegal e-bikes and some privately owned scooters) are illegal, unregistered motor vehicles. Their import and sale in Queensland must be blocked. This is an action that Fair Trading can take for Queensland with immediate effect, drastically reducing the sale and use of illegal vehicles that are headlining negative press on the e-mobility movement and creating over-representation in hospital admissions.

Education and enforcement: Queensland has some very thorough rules in place around e-mobility use including who can use what devices and where, and limits for assistance from the electric motors. Beyond illegal imports, education needs immediate action. The Queensland Government need to invest in a thorough, professional public education campaign to inform riders and parents about the limits on devices and their use. And then they need to enforce it.

BQ Chair, Rachel Nolan urged caution regarding over regulation, emphasising the need to focus on enforcing current laws and public education, before crackdowns, “We caution the Government to use current levers and education before mandating new rules. We want to promote riding and e-mobility, not introduce further obstacles or complexity”.

As Queensland’s voice for bike and scooter riders, BQ will continue to advocate for safe streets, smarter policy, and sustainable solutions that support both existing riders and the growing diversity of people using e-mobility to move around.

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Advocacy

Bicycle Queensland calls for smarter e-mobility policies in Queensland

Bicycle Queensland (BQ), the state’s peak body for bicycle and scooter riders, has welcomed the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into E-mobility and called on the State Government to urgently elevate active transport to a serious and properly funded part of the state’s transport network.

Speaking at the Inquiry today, BQ Chair Rachel Nolan said the organisation, which represents more than 12,000 members across Queensland, is advocating for bold action to ensure e-mobility is safe, sustainable, and properly integrated into the broader transport system.

“Bicycle Queensland is about making active transport – not just cars – a serious, legitimate part of how Queenslanders move,” said Ms Nolan. “If our transport network supported more people to walk, ride or scoot, our cities would be greener, healthier, and far more affordable.”

BQ has made a detailed submission to the Inquiry, including a Position Statement on high-powered e-bikes, and is calling for a three-point plan:

  1. Make active and e-mobility transport a mainstream part of the network
    “The Department of Transport and Main Roads estimates that every dollar spent on active transport returns five dollars in health and productivity benefits,” said Interim CEO Liana Heath. “Yet, active transport funding is less than 1% of the total transport budget of $37.4 billion over four years”.
  2. Tougher rules on illegal high-powered e-bikes
    BQ is calling for import and point-of-sale restrictions on e-bikes that don’t meet legislated standards, as well as retroactive speed-limiting of existing vehicles that don’t comply with Queensland standards.
  3. A state-wide public education campaign
    Interim CEO Liana Heath added, “We support smart, staged interventions and education first, better enforcement second, and not blanket restrictions that hurt the broader goal of getting people out of cars and into more sustainable transport options.”

BQ emphasised that over-regulation could backfire, discouraging people from choosing safe, low-emission alternatives and pushing them back into cars.

With over four decades of advocacy and community engagement, Bicycle Queensland remains committed to safer streets, healthier cities, and a more balanced transport future.

Bicycle Queensland’s Position Statements on High powered E-bikes can be located on the Bicycle Queensland website: Bicycle Queensland calls for action on high-powered e-bikes – Bicycle Queensland.

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Advocacy

BQ Advocacy Update July 18, 2025

The past few months have been a hive of activity in the BQ office. The big news earlier this year was that the Queensland Government were holding a Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility. BQ has made their submission, and will be presenting to the inquiry on July 21.

We’ve also wrapped up our Y2W (Yarraman to Wulkuraka) 3-day rail trail event. This was held on the popular Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and it presented a great opportunity to speak to members and riders about important advocacy work in their areas. That included speaking to riers who have been volunteering their time for the Story Bridge Bike Bus, as we await further information from Brisbane City Council as to when and how the bridge will serve as an essential transport link for all users.

All that and more, via this update from Andrew.

If you want to know more about what BQ is up to and where, please contact us on BQinfo@BQ.org.au – or call the office on 07 3844 1144 between 8:30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

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Advocacy

BQ calls for clarity on e-mobility

Bicycle Queensland’s Interim CEO Liana Heath recently spoke to the ABC, talking to Cathie Schnitzerling on the 612 ABC Brisbane Drive program on July 15, discussing the Queensland State Government’s Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility.

‘Bicycle Queensland are a community voice for people who ride bikes or scooters in Queensland, so the inquiry is certainly welcomed,’ Liana said, when quizzed on BQ’s thoughts on the inquiry.

‘Bicycle Queensland brought e-mobility issues to public attention in March this year. We wrote to the Australian parliament and Queensland transport minister, looking to solve some of the inconsistencies between state and federal laws.’ You can read BQ’s position paper on high-powered e-bikes right here.

Many topics are being covered in the Parliamentary Inquiry, with submissions coming from a wide variety of individuals, user groups, businesses and organisations. Bicycle Queensland are primarily looking for a result in standardised national guidelines for e-mobility, as Liana explained to the ABC.

‘The Australian government have gone to enormous trouble to harmonise the national road rules and transport regulations, yet with the growth of e-mobility the regulation is catching up, and at different standards in each state.’

We have asked for the Queensland Government to develop a logical and leading approach out of the inquiry, and work with other state governments to ensure there is national consistency.’

Rules for e-bikes and e-scooters in each state are quite different. Be it where e-scooters can be used, power limits on e-bikes and even whether a throttle can be used for said e-bike, as opposed to being purely pedal-assist and within the EN15194 nationally legislated standard.

‘This can present challenges for citizens but also tourists who aren’t clear on the changes between states,’ Liana pointed out, putting users at risk of breaching regulations purely by inconsistent standards and enforcement.

‘We would like greater public awareness around what the rules are around importation and sales of e-bikes and e-scooters – but also the road rules. We need to ensure that we are all on the same page around what the rules are.’

There are a range of simple rules for e-bikes and e-scooters in Queensland, covering important areas like where they can be used, limits on speed for e-assistance, and the power limits. You can read the specifics about the e-bike rules on our website, or for e-bikes and e-scooters on the TMR website.

‘E-bikes need to be pedal-assisted, of course an e-scooter is different and has restrictions around speed limits,’ Liana explained.

Illegal e-bikes were brought up, and the question arose – if an e-bike that exceeds the legislated standards for either maximum continuous power, throttle assistance or the fact it doesn’t even have pedals… why are they for sale?

‘The bikes can be imported under current legislation, and sold. We need better awareness at a retail level,’ Liana pointed out. This is why Bicycle Queensland are pushing for greater public awareness around what the limits are. While some devices are legal to be used on private property, that is not being publicised as strongly as it should be at the point of sale or within the marketing of retailers or importers. This puts a user at risk of fines and even demerit points, without knowing they were in breach of existing rules.

‘Once we know people are aware of the rules, we should be confident as a state of enforcing them,’ TMR’s Street Smarts website easily outlines what is legal, and what isn’t, for those unsure of where their existing e-bike or e-scooter lies.

Bicycle Queensland active transport network

The ABC raised the point that earlier this year, Queensland’s Minister for Transport Brent Mickelberg was not aware of any major safety concerns with compliant e-bikes.

‘BQ agrees,’ confirmed Liana. ‘The issues we see are on illegal devices, including the accidents and hooning we see on media.’ The majority of the e-bikes in question are typically throttle assisted for propulsion, often weighing well in excess of 50kg and more akin to an electric motorbike, than an e-bike.

‘We are confident the safety issues don’t exist, or are lowered if you are following the safety guidelines and using compliant e-bikes.’

‘As a membership organisation offering insurance, we don’t see the claims coming in for e-bikes and e-scooter use – as we only cover those riders who use bikes or scooters that meet the existing legislation.’

If the current restrictions are enforced, Bicycle Queensland don’t believe we would see the same level of issues currently shown in Queensland.

It is difficult to have a discussion on e-mobility without the risk of battery fires coming up, and Liana was clear on the actions needed to reduce the risk.

‘This comes down to the importation of battery and chargers. Knowing what comes in and is sold. We need a nationally consistent set of standards.’

This includes devices needing battery management software (BMS), something that is typically covered by the current legislation for e-bikes – the EN15194 standard, which also covers assistance levels, pedal assistance and maximum continuous power limits.

Given so many devices can be imported and sold that don’t meet the e-bike standards or fit the e-scooter guidelines, the question was floated – is the e-mobility landscape a modern wild west?

‘This is the whole reason the inquiry is underway. Many experts and bright minds are contributing, and there are areas in the world who are further ahead and who we can learn from. It will require some extra peddling but I’m confident that the Queensland government with stakeholders and experts will land on a safer and clearer result for the public. We are a growing state and active transport has to be part of our transport solution going forward, for congestion issues alone. But it has to be safe. I’m optimistic, and we are pushing hard at b=Bicycle Queensland for a result in this space.’

Further into the discussion, the ABC asked about BQ’s submission asking for bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters being built into the transport network, along with advocating for a drop from 50km/h to 40km/h on local streets. Speed reductions on local streets has shown to reduce the severity of accidents around the world, while also encouraging changes in mode choices.

‘This is an advocacy position BQ has had for some time. It calls for speed limits to be reduced to 40km/h in local streets. This is because it saves lives. When accidents happen at 40km/h, the result is very unlikely to be death or serious injury.’

‘It works, and has been implemented in school zones. This change would protect riders and walkers in local streets and assist to reduce road traffic deaths, but also improve sideline benefits.’

Lower speed limits on local streets can have health benefits by encouraging more people to use active transport, like bikes, scooters or walking, improving air quality and congestion – and even seeing businesses increase visitation as it is easier to stop in.

The big question in any discussion around laws or standards is one of enforcement. When asked, Liana was confident that if the benefits are promoted, community reaction would be positive.

‘We want to embrace and facilitate the growing part of our society in the active transport space of bike and scooter riders. There are clear benefits to public health and well-being. Bicycle Queensland are committed to this, and as a state we need to embrace it.’

Public education and awareness around the benefits of reduced speed limits on local streets is key, and BQ hopes to partner with the Queensland government on this messaging.

Bicycle Queensland membership supports our advocacy work, while providing peace of mind coverage when riding a bike or e-scooter.

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Advocacy

Queensland cycling grants announced

Bicycle Queensland congratulates the State Government for its investment in a healthier happier Queensland through the Cycle Network Local Government Grants.

We particularly welcome the regional focus of these grants.

“It is great to see regional councils such as Somerset, Cassowary Coast, Douglas Shire, Mt Isa and Goondiwindi investing in improvements to their cycling networks,” said BQ’s Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack. “Bicycle Queensland has worked closely with regional advocates and Councils across Queensland, and we welcome the outcome of those endeavours. Our face-to-face visits with BQ members and bicycle user groups across the State are an important mechanism of checking in with local advocates as these projects progress.”

We also commend the larger regional councils such as Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, Logan and Moreton Bay for putting forward worthwhile projects that will help people have safer options when they decide to cycle or walk for transport or recreation.

Every dollar invested in safe cycling infrastructure returns $5 to the community in health and economic benefits, according to the State Government’s own research. Cycling and walking infrastructure is the best value-for-money investment that the Queensland Government can make.

We encourage the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mr Mickelberg to continue to grow the Queensland Government’s commitment to active transport. Every person who decides to cycle, walk or scoot to their destinations is one less car clogging up the roads of Queensland.

You can look at all the grants that have been funded on the TMR website.

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Advocacy Press releases

Bicycle Queensland calls for bold, co-ordinated action on e-mobility

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) has made a strong case to the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility, urging the State Government to embrace the opportunities of e-mobility while putting in place the essential infrastructure, regulation and education to ensure safety and equity for all road users.

Describing the e-mobility revolution as a positive and permanent shift, BQ emphasised the potential for e-bikes and e-scooters to deliver cleaner, healthier, and more accessible transport options — if managed with clear policy, proper planning and strong enforcement.

BQ’s submission calls on the Government to take decisive action in three priority areas:

  1. Build long-promised infrastructure such as separated bike lanes and safe paths to keep riders away from vehicles and pedestrians.
  2. Enforce existing laws which are allowing throttle e-bikes to be sold, despite them being illegal to use in Queensland.
  3. Coordinate nationally to avoid a fragmented patchwork of rules across state borders.

“We encourage the Government to facilitate the growing interest in e-mobility through a properly funded active transport network” said BQ Interim CEO Liana Heath. “To improve safety concerns for riders and the public, we need to ensure current laws and rules are enforced, rather than introducing further complexity and obstacles to safe riding,” said Heath.

The BQ submission sets out four recommendations exactly how that can be done.  BQ welcomes the inquiry and looks forward to contributing to more safe, active transport for everyone.

1. Fund and prioritise active transport

  • Reinstate mode share targets in transport planning
  • Lift active transport funding from under 1% to 10% annually by 2032
  • Reduce local road speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h
  • Complete the Principal Cycle Network Plan by 2032
  • Develop Ride Safely to School strategies including bike lanes and bike tracks to new schools
  • Enforce a zero-tolerance approach to aggressive behaviour towards riders and e-scooter users

2. Ensure only safe, compliant devices are imported and sold

  • Enforce Australian safety standards
  • Restrict import and sale of non-compliant e-bikes and scooters
  • Govern or remove speed/throttle functions on illegal devices already sold

3. Launch a statewide public education campaign

  • Educate the public on what devices are legal and where they can be used
  • Promote rider training and safety awareness

4. Collaborate nationally on battery and safety standards

  • Implement national battery safety and charging standards
  • Coordinate legislation across states for clarity and consistency nationally

BQ welcomes the Parliamentary Inquiry and looks forward to working with the State to ensure safe and active transport for all Queenslanders.

You can read Bicycle Queensland’s complete submission here.

For more information or media enquiries:
Liana Heath

l.heath@bq.org.au

www.bq.org.au