Queensland Government adds e-bikes and e-scooters to Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy

There is great news for bike riders and scooter riders – any Queenslander buying a new approved e-bike or e-scooter from Monday September 23, 2024 will get a $500 rebate on their e-bike, or $200 rebate on their e-scooter.

After almost two years of advocating with the department of Transport and Main Roads on this issue, Bicycle Queensland are happy to share the exciting news that the Queensland Government have updated their Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, introducing the rebate for e-mobility devices: e-bikes and e-scooters. 

The Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy has provided rebates for electric cars, which, whilst helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, do little to reduce traffic congestion on Queensland’s roads. Bicycle Queensland welcomes the inclusion of these modes into the policy.

E-Bikes and E-Scooters make mobility easy. Making them more affordable will help boost these modes, making it easier for more Queenslanders to ride more often. We constantly hear from our members that these devices are a “game changer” for many, allowing people to extend their rides, deal with difficult hills, and get to and from work more comfortably. For many older riders, they allow people to ride longer and with less stress on ageing bodies. 

The $1 million rebate scheme will deliver $500 and $200 rebates for approved e-bikes and e-scooters for Queenslanders, sold via a retailer or eligible online stores. You can find your local BQ Link store via our Store Locator. As of Monday September 30 – another $1 million has been added to the rebate fund.

Understanding the rebate scheme

The Queensland Government have published a thorough outline of the e-bike and e-scooter rebate scheme, which can be read online.

To be eligible, you need to purchase your e-bike or e-scooter on or after September 23, 2024 – this cannot be a retrospective rebate. You need to be an individual – this isn’t for sole traders or businesses. You must also be a Queensland resident and 18 or over. The purchase needs to be from an eligible retailer. That means any retail business in Queensland, or an Australian online business operating under an active Australian Business Number (ABN).

What e-bikes and e-scooters are eligible?

Not every e-bike or e-scooter is eligible. It must be new – not second hand or reconditioned. It must also comply with the definition of an e-scooter or e-bike (see below). The motorised speed must be limited to 25km/h via either software or hardware, and include a battery management system. And lastly, the supplied charger needs to have a regulatory compliance mark and be registered on the Electrical Equipment Safety System national database.

For an e-scooter to be eligable, it needs to be designed for just one person to use, with either a wheel fore and aft, or two wheels at the front and one at the back or vice versa. The electric motor cannot propel the scooter beyonod 25km/h, and steering must be via handlebars (not a wheel). There needs to be a footboard (not a seat) and the total length cannot exceed 1250mm. The e-scooter must be no more than 700mm wide and 1350mm high. It cannot weigh more than 60kg.

The scheme primarily suits the most common e-bikes that have a maximum continuous rated power of 250W, where the output is progressively reduced as speed goes from 6km/h to 25 km/h. This is the standard performance of e-bike systems from Yamaha, Shimano, Brose, Specialized, SRAM, Bosch, TQ and Ananda systems, amongst some lesser known systems.

They can also be power-assisted bikes that have one (or more) electric auxiliary motors with a maximum output (or combined output) of no more than 200W. They cannot go faster than 6km/h under motor only, and need to cut motor assistance at 25km/h when being pedalled. They cannot include an internal combustion engine.

The rebate scheme is not valid for e-bike conversion kits.

Eligible applicants can only receive one rebate, and a maximum of three people per household can receive a rebate.

More details can be found on the Queensland Government website.