What we discovered at our community forum
Insights from Sergeant Bryant
Queensland Police Service – Coolum
“Gone are the days
Sgt Joel Bryant
of Police being able to grab a kid
and march them home to mum and dad.”
Sergeant Bryant told us that a key concern regarding the misuse of e-scooters and e-bikes is road trauma.
“This issue,” he emphasized, “has a huge impact on the community, and it remains a top priority for law enforcement.”
One of the most frequently asked questions on social media is, “Why aren’t the Police doing more to stop the misuse of e-scooters and e-bikes?”
“The reality,”” Sgt Bryant explained, “is more complex than it seems. Children, for example, often lack the financial means to pay for fines—such as the $140 ticket for not wearing a helmet. Additionally, Police are limited in their ability to pursue children riding e-bikes due to the risk of accidents.”
To tackle these challenges, Police have adopted a multi-faceted approach:
School Discussions – Officers visit schools to raise awareness and educate children on the proper use of e-scooters and e-bikes.
Parent and Community Education – Police work with parents and community groups to inform them about the legal and safety aspects of e-bike and e-scooter use.
Enforcement Operations – Police carry out enforcement exercises that result in fines and, in some cases, confiscation of equipment for serious violations.
Individual Counselling – In cases where misuse is identified, Police engage directly with parents and children to address their behaviour and discuss the consequences.
While Police are actively enforcing laws around e-scooter and e-bike use, Sgt Bryant noted that this is just one of many issues requiring their attention. Matters such as domestic violence and mental health crises are on the rise, demanding significant Police resources. He also added that Police are dealing with young people who are willing to ‘do monos’ right in front of a Police vehicle. He said “Gone are the days of Police being able to grab a kid and march them home to mum and dad.”
Balancing the enforcement of e-scooter and e-bike regulations with other pressing community concerns is an ongoing challenge given limited resources. However, through education, enforcement, and engagement with parents and children, the Police are committed to reducing road trauma and promoting safer use of these devices.
❗Importantly, he suggested that we can all become involved in alerting Police to potentially dangerous behaviour❗
He directed us to the use of the Queensland Police online reporting system
⏩Take a photo,
⏩Go to the site in the link above,
⏩Click on Traffic and Marine complaints and
⏩Follow the prompts.
Sgt Bryant said this will help Police to identify repeat offenders and their regular ‘haunts’ or whereabouts when Police can’t be on-the-spot themselves.
How Sandy Bolton took the issue to Parliament
L-R Peregian Family & Friends President Graham Reid, Penny Casey (committee member) Sandy Bolton MP
“What needs to happen now
Sandy Bolton MP
is to ‘get the word out’,
a task that we can all share.”
Sandy Bolton MP shared how e-bike concerns were first brought to her attention in April 2023.
At the time, there was (and possibly still is) widespread confusion surrounding the differences between e-bikes and electric motorcycles. Many parents, for instance, are still unaware that an electric motorcycle, unlike an e-bike, requires the rider to be at least 16 years old, hold a license, and to ensure that the vehicle is registered.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Sandy took the issue to Parliament, advocating for clearer guidelines and regulations. Her efforts culminated in the passing of new laws in February 2024. These laws not only clarified the distinctions between e-bikes and electric motorcycles but also expanded the application of careless riding offences to include both e-scooters and e-bikes.
A significant component of the new regulations involves speed limits. Riders of e-bikes and e-scooters must now adhere to speed restrictions when using bike paths, footpaths, and neighbourhood roads. This new legislation aims to ensure greater safety and awareness among users, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting responsible riding in public spaces.
Sandy’s advocacy highlights the importance of updated legislation keeping pace with rapidly evolving transportation technology.
Key Insights from Leanne Stokes
Senior Safety Officer (TMR)
L-R Snr Sgt Shane Panaho, Leanne Stokes(TMR), Sgt Joel Bryant
Leanne Stokes, Senior Advisor for Road Safety at TMR (SEQ Northern Region), delivered an insightful presentation on the road rules for Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), including e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards, and e-unicycles. Her presentation highlighted essential regulations to ensure the safety of riders and pedestrians alike.
Key points from the presentation included:
- Maximum Speed on Footpaths – PMDs must not exceed 12 km/h when operating on footpaths.
- Speed Limits on neighbourhood roads is 25 km/h – Riders are restricted to riding on local roads that have a vehicle speed limit of 50 km/h or less and are NOT divided by a centre line.
- Helmet Requirements – As with bicycles, wearing a helmet is mandatory for all PMD users to minimize the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Leanne also discussed the significant financial penalties that could be imposed for not adhering to these rules. These penalties are designed to serve as a deterrent for unsafe practices and are aimed at promoting responsible riding.
Leanne’s presentation underscored the importance of understanding and following the guidelines for PMDs to enhance road safety for everyone in the community.
Senior Sgt Shane Panoho followed Leanne to briefly announce the upcoming event (now past) that was to be held at the Sunshine Coast University for Senior drivers to update their knowledge of current Queensland road rules (click on headings in the link to learn more)
Stuart Whitney – Proprietor, EcoTekk NoosaStuart shared with us that EcoTekk Noosa, has always been committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who rents their e-bikes. He said that over the past nine years, their safety record speaks for itself, with very few incidents reported.
Prioritizing Safety and Compliance
in E-Bike Rentals – Stuart Whitney (Ecotekk Noosa)
A key factor in Stuart’s business is the mandatory 20-minute safety induction, which every renter undergoes before hitting the road. This session ensures that each rider is familiar with the e-bike’s operation, and they carefully assess which e-bike model is most suitable for each person’s needs and abilities.
Stuart Whitney – Proprietor Ecotekk Noosa
Stuart reported that Ecotekk’s commitment to safety extends beyond just inductions. They only rent, sell, and service compliant e-bikes – those that require the rider to pedal to engage and maintain motion. Unlike e-bikes with throttles, which are classified as electric motorcycles and subject to stricter road regulations, Ecotekk’s bikes adhere to the proper standards, ensuring both safety and legality on the road.
However, Stuart added “The e-bike industry does face challenges. One of the major issues is the easy availability of non-compliant e-bikes, often imported from China. These models, which don’t meet Australian safety or compliance regulations, can pose risks to both riders and other road users. Thankfully, the federal government is taking steps to address this. New import rules are being considered, alongside increased safety standards—particularly regarding battery fire safety.”
EcoTekk and other reputable providers, fully support Federal Government initiatives to further regulate the eTransport industry.
Let’s use this opportunity
Peregian Family & friends inc
to educate parents, young people, vehicle owners,
pedestrians, and all e-Transport users
to influence State laws and local infrastructure decisions,
so we can all safely enjoy our beautiful part of the world.
⏩⏩Please share our forum report
with friends and family⏩⏩