Queensland Police Service (QPS) has reported strong enforcement results in the first two weeks of Operation Yankee Surety, with more than 100 non-compliant devices seized and a total of more than 420 traffic infringement notices issued for failing to adhere to the road rules since the operation commenced on 1 July.
Under Operation Yankee Surety, police across the state have taken a coordinated, targeted approach to ensure the safety of all road users, including pedestrians and those riding e-mobility devices such as electrically power assisted cycles (EPACs, commonly known as e-bikes), and personal mobility devices (PMDs) such as e-scooters.
The operation enforces new legislative changes to e-mobility devices and their usage, with a focus on enforcing the new speed and alcohol limits for e-mobility devices and their riders; seizing dangerous and non-compliant devices; and ensuring safe riding behaviours through deterrence and enforcement.
Among those whose devices were seized was a 16-year-old Sunshine Coast boy, who Kawana Waters Police intercepted at about 1.10pm on 7 July after they observed him run a red light, perform a wheel stand and weave through traffic on an on Nicklin Way, Buddina.
Kawana Waters Police and officers from Caloundra and Nambour Child Protection Investigation Units followed the boy to a local business, where upon inspection, determined the device was a non-compliant e-motorcycle.
The boy was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act for charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlicenced driving, driving an uninsured vehicle and driving an unregistered vehicle, and the device was seized by police.
Police have also conducted more than 120 roadside breath tests on e-mobility riders, resulting in seven riders being charged with drink driving.
Emergency Response and Coordination Command Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said that these results highlight the importance of the operation's strong presence across the state.
"Road safety remains a top priority for Queensland Police, and this includes vulnerable road users like pedestrians and riders of EPACs, PMDs and other e-mobility devices," Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
"Operation Yankee Surety is about detecting, intercepting and deterring dangerous riding behaviours, and making it clear to Queenslanders that unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated.
"It is disappointing to see more than 450 infringements issued for reckless riding in just under two weeks; however, this reinforces how important it is that our officers are out every day disrupting these dangerous behaviours and ensuring riders understand their responsibility while making our roads and public spaces safe."
Assistant Commissioner Wildman also reminded riders, parents and guardians of the importance of following the road rules.
"The risk of a crash increases drastically when non-compliant devices or dangerous behaviours like speeding and drink riding are involved, and the consequences of these crashes can be devastating," he said.
"Crashes can be prevented through safe and lawful riding behaviours, and by enforcing the road rules, our officers are proactively protecting community safety and reducing the risk for all road users.
"However, enforcement alone cannot save lives. Road safety is everyone's responsibility - and that responsibility extends to every rider to adhere to the rules, wear an approved helmet, ride at safe speeds and ensure their device complies with Queensland legislation.
"By doing so, you're protecting yourself and others on our roads and pathways."
Operation Yankee Surety will run until 30 June 2027, and police will continue to proactively engage with the community and enforce the rules to create safe roads and paths.
Queenslanders can expect police anywhere, anytime.
For more information about e-mobility laws and safety, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/.
New e-mobility laws, 2026
Under new laws introduced by the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026, from 1 July 2026:
- Police can seize illegal devices.
- Roadside Breath Tests by police will enforce drink riding for riders of e-bikes, bicycles, e-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices in public places. 0.05 BAC applies.
- Devices faster than 25km/h will be banned. E-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices must be restricted so they can't exceed 25km/h. E-bike motors can only assist up to 25km/h. E-bikes can only be ridden faster under human pedal power.
- 12km/h speed limits will apply on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths for e-bikes, e-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices.
- E-scooters, e-skateboards or e-unicycles can be ridden on roads, including on-road bike lanes, with a speed limit of up to 60km/h. Riders can only go to a maximum speed of 25km/h.
- Parents will be fined for under 16s riding illegal devices.
From 31 August 2026:
- Riders must be 16 with a licence. Some exemptions for medical conditions and disabilities, and the ability for 12-17-year-olds to ride under parental supervision will apply.
From 28 February 2027:
- Compliance labelling for e-bikes* will be mandatory, by 28 February 2027.
*Information about the exemptions and an assurance scheme to help e-bike owners comply with the new labelling requirements will be available from the Department of Transport and Main Roads after 31 August 2026.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads. However, enforcement alone cannot stop all dangerous driving behaviours.
Every choice you make behind the wheel, matters. Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or while fatigued, or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life – and the lives of others – at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.
Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime.
Road safety starts with you.
