Under-16 e-scooter ban watered down by Qld government

The Queensland government has backed down on a proposed ban on under-16s riding e-bike and e-scooters. The proposed pavement speed limit has also been lifted from 10 km/h to 12 km/h. What's next? It's expected the laws will be phased in between July 1 and the end of August. The Queensland government has watered down its plan to ban children under 16 from riding e-mobility devices to allow those aged between 12 and 17 to ride under parental supervision. Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg announced a series of amendments to the state government's proposed e-mobility laws, which are expected to pass state parliament this week. The government proposed the laws following a parliamentary inquiry into the safety of e-mobility devices that recommended under-16s be banned from riding them. Further recommendations included requiring riders to hold at least a learner's licence. Mr Mickelberg said the finalised bill would provide an exemption for people who could not hold a license due to a medical condition or disability. Mr Mickelberg said there would also be amendments regarding the use of e-mobility devices on rail trails and on mountain bike tracks. A proposed 10 km/h speed limit on footpaths had faced particular opposition by members of the community. Mr Mickelberg said that instead, a 12 km/h speed limit would apply on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths. The speed limit on shared paths would otherwise be 25km/h. "We promised to deliver nation-leading laws and that is exactly what we will be doing this week," he said. Mr Mickelberg said the laws were expected to come in from July 1, with the ban on under-16s riding alone and licence requirements to start from August 31.