There is some good news for Queensland e-bike riders following the introduction of new age and driver licence requirements on 31 August.
Riders of legal e-bikes are exempt from the new licensing and age requirements when riding at qualifying public mountain bike trails, rail trails and private recreational cycling facilities.
Importantly, these exemptions are broader than the list of riding locations currently published by the Queensland Government.
Bicycle Queensland Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack said riders should not assume a trail needs to appear on the Transport and Main Roads website to qualify.
“Many mountain bike trail networks owned by local governments and other Government agencies are not listed on the TMR site, but the legislation is quite clear that you can ride on public trails as long as there is a sign allowing bike use, somewhere on the trail network.”
For mountain bike trails, the legislation defines eligible trails or trail networks as being open to the public, having recreational bicycle riding as one of their main uses, being on relevant government-managed land, and being identified as a mountain bike trail by signage on or at an entrance to the trail, or at least one trail within a network.
Rail trails are also covered by the exemption where they meet the definition contained in the legislation and are identified as a rail trail by signage.
As Andrew explains:
“Riding your EN15194 legal e-mountain bike on recognised public mountain bike trails and rail trails is exempt from the new legislation’s licensing and age requirements.”
The exemption does not mean other e-bike and road rules cease to apply. Riders must still use a legal e-bike and comply with the applicable riding rules, including helmet requirements and rules around riding near pedestrians.
The Queensland Government has published a list of recognised riding areas, but the legislation makes clear that this list is not exhaustive.
Far North Queensland’s next wave of trail development is gathering momentum, with construction underway on the next section of the Wangetti Trail between Ellis Beach and Wangetti.
Cairns-based World Trail has been appointed to deliver the approximately 22km section, backed by more than $31 million from the Queensland Government. It follows the opening of the Palm Cove to Ellis Beach section in September 2024, which has already attracted more than 19,000 visitors.
Once complete, the Wangetti Trail will provide a 94km dual-use walking and mountain biking experience between Palm Cove and Port Douglas, taking riders and walkers through some of Tropical North Queensland’s spectacular coastal and rainforest landscapes.
For Bicycle Queensland, the renewed progress is particularly exciting when viewed alongside the wider investment occurring across the region.
In August, the Queensland Government unveiled the masterplan for the $15.5 million expansion of Smithfield Mountain Bike Park. Also designed by World Trail, it proposes more than 62km of new trails, growing Smithfield from around 25km to more than 85km of purpose-built riding.
Meanwhile, the Tropical North Queensland Regional Mountain Bike Strategy 2024–2034 provides a broader framework for developing and connecting riding destinations across Far North Queensland.
Together, these projects could represent the beginning of another major chapter for cycling and mountain biking in the region.
Cairns experienced a significant period of mountain bike investment and promotion through the Ride Cairns era and the international events held at Smithfield, culminating in the 2017 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. That investment helped establish Tropical North Queensland as an internationally recognised riding destination.
Almost a decade later, the pieces are coming together for another step forward.
An expanded Smithfield provides a major trail hub close to Cairns. Wangetti adds a completely different multi-day coastal and rainforest experience linking Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Beyond those headline projects, the FNQ regional strategy provides a pathway for investment in trail networks and destinations across the wider region.
For locals, it means more places to ride. For visitors, it creates a much stronger reason to bring a bike, stay longer and explore more of Far North Queensland.
BQ welcomes the renewed progress on Wangetti and the growing recognition of cycling and mountain biking as important parts of the region’s recreation and tourism future.
Bicycle Queensland has welcomed three significant funding announcements for mountain bike trail networks across the state, highlighting the growing recognition of cycling infrastructure as an investment in healthier communities, regional tourism and Queensland’s outdoor lifestyle.
The funding includes $355,000 to Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club (GCMTB) for repairs to the Nerang National Park trail network on the Gold Coast as part of the Sport and Recreation Recovery Grants developed by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments. GCMTB President Bryan King said the club’s limited volunteer resources were insufficient to repair the extensive damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred across the trail network.
Source: Rocky Trail Entertainment
“Without funding from the Sport and Recreation Recovery Grant, we would not be able to restore the trails to a safe and sustainable condition, putting the entire network at risk of closure since Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has extremely limited funding which does not stretch to cover all needed mountain bike trail maintenance.”
Other clubs have received funding through other schemes, with $1.1 million for repairs at Douglas Mountain Bike Park in Townsville through the efforts of the Townsville Rockwheelers, and $813,000 for repairs and improvements at First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve in Rockhampton via Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club.
The club has grand plans for further expansion at First Turkey, including an 8km gravity trail from the top of Mount Archer. Given the club has attracted state level gravity events, the further investment would be a bonus for tourism and would help attract state or national level events.
Bicycle Queensland Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack, said the announcements were an important step towards growing participation in riding across Queensland.
“Formal, sustainable mountain bike facilities provide safe and accessible places for people of all ages and abilities to ride,” Demack said.
“These trail networks are community assets that support physical activity, connect people with nature and create opportunities for families and friends to spend time outdoors together. Continued investment in quality facilities helps more Queenslanders discover the benefits of riding.”
Mountain biking continues to grow in popularity across Australia, with trail networks increasingly recognised as valuable recreational infrastructure that delivers social, health and economic benefits to local communities.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke said investment in mountain bike facilities also aligns with the state’s long-term economic and tourism ambitions.
“Queensland is blessed with incredible landscapes and outdoor destinations. High-quality mountain bike facilities attract visitors, support local businesses and help regional communities diversify their tourism offerings,” Dr Burke said.
“These projects demonstrate how investment in riding infrastructure contributes to healthier communities while supporting the Queensland Government’s vision for a thriving and active state. We congratulate the local clubs, volunteers and councils whose advocacy and hard work have helped secure this funding.”
The continued growth and improvement of formal mountain bike facilities across the state will be essential to supporting the future of bike riding in Queensland and ensuring more people have access to safe, enjoyable places to ride. Or as we like to say, it’s an essential part of having local trails for local kids.
Bicycle Queensland advocates for all types of riders. Membership supports BQ’s advocacy work around the state, while also offering extensive membership benefits.
Queensland’s e-mobility laws have changed significantly in 2026, with new rules covering e-bike power and speed, rider behaviour, age and licensing requirements, and stronger enforcement powers.
The latest changes take effect from 31 August 2026, introducing minimum age and driver licence requirements for people riding e-bikes and other e-mobility devices in public places.
There are exemptions for supervised young riders, people with eligible medical conditions or disabilities, and riding in designated recreational areas.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is a legal e-bike in Queensland?
To be legal to ride in public places in Queensland, an e-bike must:
Have pedals as its primary source of power
Have a motor with a maximum continuous rated power output of 250 watts
Provide motor assistance only up to 25km/h
Stop providing motor assistance once the bike reaches 25km/h
If fitted with throttle control, provide throttle-only assistance only up to 6km/h to help the rider start moving.
Meet the EN 15194 European Standard for electrically power-assisted cycles, subject to transitional arrangements for some existing e-bikes.
Importantly, a high-powered e-bike cannot be made legal simply by electronically restricting or ‘locking’ its output or maximum assisted speed.
If the motor is more powerful than the permitted 250 watts of maximum continuous rated power, it is not a legal e-bike for use on Queensland roads or public paths – even if software has been used to restrict its performance.
The Queensland Government has introduced transitional arrangements for some e-bikes. In general, e-bikes used in public spaces will ultimately need to either meet EN 15194 or be verified as meeting the standard’s core safety requirements through the Queensland Government’s E-Bike Assurance Scheme.
Owners of eligible existing e-bikes will have until 28 February 2027 to have their bike verified and appropriately labelled.
The Assurance Scheme is being developed for e-bikes manufactured before 1 July 2026 that meet the core safety features of EN 15194 but were not certified to the standard. It will also provide a pathway for some non-standard or adaptive e-bikes and e-trikes used by people with a disability or medical condition.
High-powered or high-speed devices that exceed Queensland’s legal e-bike limits are not covered by this transition.
How old do you need to be to ride an e-bike?
From 31 August 2026, the general rule is that you must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver licence to ride an e-bike or other e-mobility device on a road, road-related area or in a public place. The minimum licence is a Learner licence. A valid interstate or overseas driver licence can also satisfy the requirement.
However, there are some important exemptions.
Riders aged 12–15
Children aged 12 to 15 can ride an e-bike without a driver licence when supervised by a parent or caregiver. The supervising adult needs to remain close enough to easily observe and communicate with the young rider and provide immediate instructions.
Riders aged 16–17
Riders aged 16 or 17 can ride independently if they hold a valid driver licence – including a Learner licence. If they don’t have a licence, they can still ride when appropriately supervised by a parent or caregiver.
Children under 12
Children under 12 cannot ride an e-bike in ordinary public areas.
Different age and licensing rules can apply within designated recreational riding areas.
Do adults need a driver licence to ride an e-bike?
Yes.
From 31 August 2026, riders aged 16 and over must hold a valid driver licence to ride an e-bike in public, unless an exemption applies. This can be a Queensland Learner, Provisional or Open licence, or a valid equivalent interstate or overseas licence.
You do not need to register a legal e-bike.
Are there exemptions from the age and licence rules?
Yes. The Queensland Government has introduced exemptions covering three main circumstances:
Supervised riders aged 12–17
People with eligible medical conditions or disabilities
Riding on mountain bike trails, rail trails or private mountain bike parks
The exemptions apply to the age and driver licence requirements – they do not turn an otherwise illegal high-powered device into a legal e-bike.
What about rail trails and mountain bike parks?
Age and driver licence exemptions do not apply on rail trails, mountain bike trails and private off-road cycling facilities. This means riders are able to use a legal e-bike on a marked mountain biek trail, or network, rail trail or private mountain bike park without meeting the normal age or driver licence requirements.
What if I can’t hold a driver licence for medical reasons?
A medical or disability exemption is available for people aged 16 and over who cannot hold a driver licence because of a medical condition or disability but can safely operate an e-mobility device.
An eligible health practitioner can complete an E-Mobility Driver Licence Exemption form with the rider. The exemption can be issued for up to five years and can specify which type of e-mobility device the person can use. Conditions can also be applied where appropriate.
The rider keeps the completed exemption form and must be able to produce it when required, in either digital or hard copy format.A grace period applies until 30 November 2026 to give eligible riders time to obtain their exemption.
What are the speed limits?
E-bike riders must obey the bicycle road rules as well as the specific rules applying to e-bikes.
On footpaths, the maximum speed for an e-bike is 12km/h.
On shared paths, riders must obey the signed speed limit and slow to a maximum of 12km/h when passing pedestrians. You may need to ride more slowly around children, dogs, people with limited mobility or in other busy areas.
The 25km/h figure associated with an e-bike is the speed at which motor assistance must cease. It is not a universal 25km/h speed limit for bicycles.
What counts as a footpath or shared path?
Different speed requirements apply depending on whether infrastructure is legally considered a footpath, shared path, bicycle path or another type of road-related area. It may not be straightforward to determine what exactly you are on. Riders should follow signage and ride to the conditions, particularly where pedestrians are present.
Bicycle Queensland continues to encourage government and councils to ensure cycling infrastructure is clearly designated and signed so riders can readily understand which rules apply.
Can police seize an illegal e-bike?
Yes.
Queensland Police have stronger powers to deal with illegal e-mobility devices, including the power to seize, impound and potentially destroy prohibited devices. This includes high-powered devices that resemble e-bikes but do not meet Queensland’s legal e-bike requirements.
A device with a motor exceeding 250 watts maximum continuous rated power, or one that continues providing motor assistance above 25km/h, is not a legal e-bike for use on public roads and paths.
A high-powered device also does not become a legal e-bike simply because its power or speed has been restricted through software.
Can parents be fined?
Yes.
Parents and guardians can face penalties for allowing children to use illegal e-mobility devices. From 31 August, age and licensing requirements also apply, although children aged 12–17 can ride under the supervision exemption. If you’re buying an e-bike for a young rider, make sure both the bike and the rider comply with the rules.
Can you buy an e-bike if you’re under 16?
No.
From 1 July 2026, it is illegal for commercial or private sellers to sell an e-mobility device to anyone under 16. This includes e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-mobility devices.
A parent can purchase a legal e-bike that will be used by a child under the applicable supervision or recreational-area exemptions, but the e-mobility device cannot be sold directly to someone aged under 16.
What about drink riding?
Queensland’s drink-riding laws also apply to bicycles, e-bikes and personal mobility devices. Police have additional powers to conduct roadside alcohol testing of riders, with a 0.05 blood alcohol concentration limit applying.
What does this mean for riders of safe, legal e-bikes?
For most people already riding a safe, legal e-bike from a recognised bicycle brand, the fundamental definition of an e-bike should look familiar: pedal assistance, a 250W maximum continuous rated motor output and assistance that cuts out at 25km/h.
The biggest changes for riders are the new age and driver licence requirements, the new 12km/h footpath and pedestrian-passing requirements. If you already own an older e-bike and are unsure whether it meets EN 15194, keep an eye on information about the Queensland Government’s E-Bike Assurance Scheme ahead of the 28 February 2027 deadline.
And if you’re buying a new e-bike, make sure it is clearly sold as compliant with EN 15194 and legal for use on Queensland roads and paths.
By becoming a member of Bicycle Queensland, you support BQ’s advocacy for bike riders in Queensland, and have insurance cover for bike riding – full details of membership inclusions can be read here.
BQ’s E-bike rally at Brisbane Botanic Gardens 21-04-2026 to save safe legal e-bikes. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Brisbane City Council has released two sets of concept plans for the long-asked-for safe link from the Miskin Street terminus of the Centenary Cycleway at Toowong, and the Bicentennial Bikeway.
This one of the busiest bike commuting routes in Brisbane, and it runs for 1.8km along Sylvan Rd and Land Street. Bicycle Queensland and the bicycle user groups have been asking for a safe off-road route along Syvlan Rd since the Centenary Cycleway opened in 2005.
There are two concept design options for the Sylvan Road and Land Street corridor which both provide protected bikeways separated from people walking and driving. One option provides a continuous bi-directional bikeway and the other option is part uni-directional/part bi-directional bikeway.
The bi-directional version has some advantages. In that design, Sylvan Rd would be one-way only from the Milton Rd corner east-bound to Croydon Rd intersection. Even though the proposed bikeway would cross from one side of the road to the other halfway through that section, it would be crossing only one lane of traffic.
The alternate has a single lane bikeway either side of two-way traffic, in the same Milton Rd-Croydon Rd section.
One notable improvement that is shown on both proposed designs is the removal of on-street parking for the length of Sylvan Rd. This will certainly have a safety benefit for people using the bikeway.
Both designs use a bi-directional bikeway on the north side of Sylvan Rd, from the Croydon Rd corner east-bound past Wests Rugby and Toowong Memorial Park, and continuing along Land St until it joins the underpass towards the Bicentennial Bikeway.
Brisbane City Council is inviting people to “have their say” on these proposed designs. Bicycle Queensland’s message to our bike-riding community is to make sure you weigh in with massive support for the project. This is a bikeway that we don’t want to see held back by local residents who wrongly perceive that it will create problems for them. So hit the link and let them know!
The Federal Government’s 2026-27 Budget has delivered a boost for active transport and e-bike safety, with new funding commitments that could shape how Australians ride and move for the next decade.
Among the headline measures is a $500 million investment over 10 years for walking and cycling infrastructure, alongside targeted funding to improve e-bike product safety standards and import compliance. The new infrastructure funding package will provide $50 million annually to support the construction and upgrade of bikeways, shared paths and walking infrastructure around the country. While details on project allocation are yet to be released, the commitment marks one of the largest dedicated federal active transport investments in recent years.
The funding arrives as state and local governments continue to grapple with rising demand for safer riding and walking corridors, particularly in growing urban areas where separated infrastructure remains limited.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke said: “We’re delighted to see our nation’s Active Transport Infrastructure Fund become a long-term commitment, as has long been the case with road and rail funding. This was a good move by the Commonwealth and will be well-received by the millions of Australians who ride bikes.”
BQ is seeking a policy change that would build further cycling infrastructure as part of Commonwealth transport projects. When transport minister, Anthony Albanese sought to introduce a ‘positive provision’ policy that writes into Commonwealth grants that states must provide walking and cycling infrastructure as part of all urban road and rail projects. Footpaths and bikeways alongside and over the freeways would no longer be ‘gold-plating’ but become essential parts of the project. These policies are not controversial: they are widely adopted across the world; all Australia’s state governments have adopted them.
The Budget also includes $6.6 million to strengthen Australia’s product safety and recall systems for e-bikes and related devices. BQ and other state and national bike advocacy groups have been calling on the Commonwealth to take such steps. The reforms are expected to focus on improving compliance with recognised standards, including the European EN15194 standard, which limits pedal-assist e-bikes to 250 watts of continuous power and pedal assistance up to 25km/h.
Dr Burke said: “We believe this may involve new actions taken through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. This will hopefully penalise retailers who sell the most dangerous of the illegal, high-speed devices that are currently masquerading as pushbikes, and ensure they never get on our streets, paths or parks.”
BQ is still calling on the Commonwealth to introduce compulsory declarations by e-bike importers to state that they are only bringing in product that meets EN15194. This would also help stop the illegal devices from reaching our shores.
While the Federal Budget introduces stronger safety oversight and infrastructure funding, it stops short of offering direct purchase incentives for individuals buying e-bikes. There should be consideration for e-bikes to be included in Fringe Benefits Tax exemptions currently available for electric vehicles, as the change would help reduce congestion, emissions and transport costs. No such measure was included in this year’s Budget.
E-bikes and e-mobility are getting people moving.
The 2026-27 Budget signals that cycling infrastructure and e-bike policy are increasingly becoming part of mainstream transport planning at a federal level. But we will wait to see how effective this seed funding can be at delivering the major infrastructure changes needed, and whether the mess of non-compliant device import and sales can be cleaned up.
BQ's E-bike rally at Brisbane Botanic Gardens 21-04-2026 to save safe legal e-bikes. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
In light of the Queensland Government’s Draft e-mobility legislation, BQ hosted a pop up advocacy event in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens on the morning of April 21. With a lot of confusion around who the laws may effect and how, we wanted to be able to meet concerned riders to either inspect their bike for compliance, and hear how the draft laws may impact them.
BQ’s E-bike rally at Brisbane Botanic Gardens 21-04-2026 to save safe legal e-bikes. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
With over 100 riders dropping past, many bikes were inspected. Of the 40 bikes we managed to inspect to determine if they would meet the updated compliance, only 1 passed. However, all 40 are safe, legal e-bikes that are compliant under the current EN15194 regulations.
Along with other riding advocacy groups, BQ has major concerns about other new laws, including the maximum 10km/h speed for safe, legal e-bikes on shared paths and trails, and the need for a car licence and the under-16 ban.
We heard from riders who express concern that their use of a safe, legal e-bike to get around, meet friends and stay active might see them breaking the law – thanks to legislation that has been rushed through, without proper consultation to understand the negative impacts to riders of safe, legal e-bikes that meet the global compliance standards.
BQ’s E-bike rally at Brisbane Botanic Gardens 21-04-2026 to save safe legal e-bikes. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.BQ’s E-bike rally at Brisbane Botanic Gardens 21-04-2026 to save safe legal e-bikes. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.BQ’s E-bike rally at Brisbane Botanic Gardens 21-04-2026 to save safe legal e-bikes. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
‘This bike has just been so fantastic to open up my experience of Brisbane,’ one rider told us, who uses her e-bike for commuting, but also to visit other parts of Brisbane for nights out with her partner or friends. ‘And I’m being classed in the same sort of category as the illegal motorbikes, which is very unfair.’
‘We are getting people out of cars, we are getting them onto public transport, we are getting them onto bikes – we should keep that up,’ Joe Kelly MP told us while visiting the event. ‘If 95% of people are telling you you’re getting something wrong, you should probably listen to them.’
BQ had other politicians come along to show support, including Mark Bailey and Bart Mellish.
‘This exercise was useful in demonstrating to the public the scale of the problem of this bill, in currently having no pathway to compliance for bikes without a permanent EN15194 marking,’ said BQ’s CEO Dr Matthew Burke. ‘So many of the existing safe, legal e-bikes are going to be made non-compliant.’
While thousands of people have made submissions as a response to the draft legislation, you can still make an impact. Write to your local member to express your point of view, and if you’d like to support Bicycle Queensland you can do so via a donation, or better yet – by becoming a BQ Member.
BQ’s E-bike rally at Brisbane Botanic Gardens 21-04-2026 to save safe legal e-bikes. Photo by Element Photo and Video Productions.
Bicycle Queensland is calling on riders to join a public pop-up event in Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens on April 21 (7:15 – 8:30am), as concerns grow over proposed changes to Queensland’s e-mobility laws. The event, centred around the message #savelegalebikes, will highlight the real-world impact of the draft legislation. This includes rendering most current safe, legal e-bikes non-compliant on the 1st of July, and banning riding of e-bikes at over 10km/h on much of the state’s bikeway network.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matt Burke said the proposed changes risk undermining years of progress in active transport.
“These are everyday riders on safe, legal e-bikes, purchased from reputable retailers. They are not the dangerous high-speed devices the Government was meant to be focusing on,” Dr Burke said. “Hardly any bikes have the permanent marking from the manufacturer saying “EN15194(2017)A+1″ that the draft bill requires. If you don’t have that marking there is no pathway in the legislation to become compliant, even if your bike meets all the standards, is low-powered and low-speed.”
E-bikes and e-mobility are getting people moving.
More than 200,000 safe, legal e-bikes will be affected, and at least as many riders. These safe legal e-bikes are worth over $900,000 according to Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA) estimates.
Dr Burke said, “If this legislation is passed in its present form, we will effectively kill safe, legal e-biking in Queensland by the end of the year. There is a short amnesty, but without a pathway to compliance, my bike and hundreds of thousands of others will be junk.”
At the event, riders will be invited to have their bikes investigated , with results publicly tallied to demonstrate the scale of the issue. Brisbane riders can also see maps of all the routes they will no longer be able to ride more than 10km/h, removing so much of the bikeway network. The exercise is designed to show how broadly the changes could impact ordinary Queenslanders. BQ will also be joined by eScootNow who will also do a pop-up safety check for personal mobility devices (PMDs).
Bicycle Queensland is advocating for targeted amendments, including:
· A clear pathway to compliance for existing e-bikes
· Removal of proposed 10km/h speed limits on shared paths
· No introduction of age restrictions
· No requirement for riders to hold a driver’s licence
“Safe, legal e-biking is not, and has never been the problem,” Dr Burke said. “We are making Queensland the most difficult place on earth to ride a safe, legal e-bike, without fixing the real problem. The dangerous high-speed illegal devices will still be on sale in the very same shops currently selling them on 1st July under this draft bill.”
The event will also provide an opportunity for riders to share their experiences and explain how the proposed laws would affect their daily travel, recreation, and wellbeing.
Bicycle Queensland is encouraging all riders, supporters, and community members to attend and make their voices heard. Event details are on our event calendar.
