Queensland Police Service (QPS) is continuing its statewide focus on road safety through Operation Yankee Surety, as licensing requirements for e-mobility device riders commence tomorrow.
From 31 August, all riders must hold a minimum of a valid Learner licence to ride e-mobility devices, including electric power assisted cycles (EPACs) and personal mobility devices (PMDs) such as e-scooters in Queensland.
While some exemptions apply, including for 12-17-year-olds supervised by a caregiver, riders in recreational areas such as bike trails and medically exempt individuals, the introduction of licensing requirements complements the already existing age restrictions for under 16-year-olds.
Disaster and Emergency Management Acting Deputy Commissioner Rhys Wildman said police would be checking rider compliance with the new licensing requirements during intercepts.
"From 31 August, riders will be required to hold a minimum learner licence before operating an e-mobility device, ensuring they have a foundational understanding of Queensland's road rules and their responsibilities as road users," Acting Deputy Commissioner Wildman said.
"These new licensing requirements expand on the work already being undertaken by police to ensure sadety on Queensland roads and pathways.
"E-mobility devices are vehicles that must be operated safely, responsibly and under Queensland road rules.
"Queensland police are reminding all e-mobility riders and their caregivers to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and understand their responsibilities as road users."
The new licensing requirements are being introduced two months into the QPS's statewide enforcement campaign Operation Yankee Surety, which has seen police intercept dangerous riders, target unsafe behaviours and remove non-compliant e-mobility devices from Queensland roads.
Since the operation commenced on 1 July, police have conducted high-visibility enforcement across Queensland, issuing more than 1,700 infringement notices to e-mobility riders breaking the law.
This includes issuing more than a thousand fines to riders not wearing helmets, 142 fines to speeding riders, intercepting 54 drink riders and seizing nearly 400 non-compliant devices.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Wildman said the operation's outcomes highlight the importance of both education and enforcement in improving safety outcomes for all road users.
"In the first two months of Operation Yankee Surety, police statewide have issued more than 1,700 fines to riders engaging in risky behaviour, and officers continue to detect riders speeding, failing to wear helmets, using non-compliant devices, and in some cases riding while affected by alcohol," Acting Deputy Commissioner Wildman said.
"For any road user, these behaviours are dangerous and increase the risk of serious crashes and injury. However, for young road users who lack experience on Queensland roads, the consequences of these behaviours can be catastrophic, and even the smallest lapse in concentration can result in a tragedy.
"Our officers will continue to enforce the road rules and take action against riders doing the wrong thing. Education remains a key part of our approach, and we will continue to work with caregivers, children and the community to ensure they understand their responsibilities.
"But where riders choose to disregard the law, enforcement action will follow.
"Road safety starts with every Queenslander, and whether driving a car, riding a motorcycle or using an e-mobility device, Queenslanders can expect police anywhere, anytime.
Operation Yankee Surety will continue until 30 June 2027, with police maintaining a strong focus on education, engagement and enforcement throughout the state.
For more information about e-mobility laws, safety and licencing requirements, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/.
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.
