Minister Mickelberg supports Bicycle Queensland’s illegal e-bike position

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg MP, has supported Bicycle Queensland’s push for stronger regulation of import and sales of illegal high-powered e-bikes. This campaign has gained traction, as Minister Mickelberg acknowledges the seriousness of the issue, offering support for BQ’s position at a national level in his response received on April 29, 2025.

In his reply to Bicycle Queensland’s open letter to the federal government and ongoing advocacy around illegal e-bike imports and sales, Minister Mickelberg confirmed the Crisafulli Government shares BQ’s concerns over the growing presence of non-compliant e-bikes on Queensland’s roads and pathways, and the major safety issue that creates.

“This issue is primarily one of importation and classification and therefore a matter for the Commonwealth Government,” Minister Mickelberg wrote. “I will be pleased to advocate for your position at the national level.”

Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine welcomed the Minister’s support and his willingness to elevate the matter federally.

“We’re encouraged by Minister Mickelberg’s response and his recognition that illegal high-powered e-bikes pose a safety risk to all Queenslanders,” Mr Twine said. “We look forward to working with the Queensland Government to ensure this issue remains on the national agenda.”

BQ’s position calls for immediate action to:

• Restrict the import and sale of non-compliant e-bikes and throttle-powered PMDs,
• Enforce compliance with the EN15194 standard,
• Launch a public awareness campaign to educate riders on the legal status of e-bikes,
• Enable police and inspectors to test and enforce regulations,
• Support exemptions for people with disability and private property use.

Minister Mickelberg’s response represents a significant step forward in aligning state and federal perspectives on managing the risks associated with unregulated devices, while promoting the adoption and use of compliant e-devices for active transport and micromobility.

Bicycle Queensland will continue advocating for safe, legal, and sustainable e-mobility—and welcomes the Minister’s willingness to represent Queenslanders on this matter at the Commonwealth level.

You can read our complete position statement here.

You can read BQ’s open letter here.

You can sign BQ’s open letter here.

You can support Bicycle Queensland’s advocacy work to help make Queensland a safer, more connected place to ride by becoming a Bicycle Queensland member, from just $54 a year.