The move by the Queensland government to introduce reforms related to the use of e-mobility devices on roads and footpaths has been welcomed by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). There has been a surge in serious injuries and deaths due to these e-mobility devices.
Mr Brent Mickelberg, Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads, has introduced a Bill in Parliament to provide for reforms that respond to community concerns arising from the use of e-mobility devices in the state and implement the transport-related reform recommendations.
The Bill to amend transport legislation includes changes to:
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Ensure only appropriately qualified riders use e-mobility devices by introducing a minimum rider age limit of 16 years and requiring riders to hold a valid driver licence of any type or class, effectively setting a learner licence as the minimum.
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Enhance enforcement powers and offence regimes to deter unsafe and illegal behaviour
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Ensure all parties involved in e-mobility use contribute to safety outcomes
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Modernise e-mobility device definitions and standards
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Protect pedestrians by improving the use of footpaths and other shared spaces through providing a consistent 10km/h speed limit for all e-mobility devices on footpaths and shared paths, and other measures.
Insurers' response
The ICA said that it welcomed the Queensland Government's proposed reforms to address dangerous and illegal e-mobility devices, calling them a necessary response to a surge in serious injuries and deaths on Queensland roads and footpaths.
The ICA has also identified the following opportunities to strengthen the effectiveness of the reforms:
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Closely monitor the impacts of the proposed 10km/h shared path speed limit on rider behaviour and injury patterns, given the risk that lower speed limits may push riders onto roads
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Ensure sufficient police resourcing, training and operational guidance to support consistent and effective application of the new enforcement powers
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Prioritise consistent enforcement outcomes across the State to maintain public confidence and maximise the safety impact of the reforms.
Under the Bill, devices capable of exceeding 25km/h would be reclassified as motorbikes after a six-month transition period and may require registration and Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, the ICA said.
In addition, the insurance body warned that beyond road safety, non-compliant e-mobility devices also pose serious fire risks. Lithium-ion batteries in illegal or modified devices can ignite from overcharging, physical damage, heat exposure and manufacturing defects. Devices that do not meet legal standards may impact coverage under home and contents insurance.
ICA CEO Andrew Hall said, “The injury toll from e-mobility devices in Queensland, and indeed across the country, is unacceptable. The proposed laws send a clear message that illegal, unregistered, high-powered machines have no place on our roads and footpaths.
Mr Hall said, “Insurers are ready to work with the Queensland Government to make sure these reforms deliver the safety outcomes Queenslanders expect and call on other jurisdictions to follow Queensland’s lead in this area."