E-bike and E-scooter chaos is sweeping through Greater Caloundra, with young riders tearing through footpaths, esplanades, and streets at alarming speeds.
While some dismiss it as harmless fun, two serious accidents involving minors on the Sunshine Coast in the past fortnight have underscored the dangers.
Despite existing laws, much of this reckless behaviour goes largely unchecked, raising concerns about safety for both riders and the wider community.
A teenage girl is fighting for her life in a Brisbane hospital with a head injury after a life-threatening E-scooter crash at Alexandra Headland on 29 January.
On 5 February, a teenaged boy suffered serious leg and head injuries after being hit by a car while riding his E-bike in Sippy Downs.
Caloundra resident and lifelong cyclist Trevor Tomkins said the dangerous behaviour was “getting out of hand”, with young riders blatantly ignoring the rules.
“They’re flying down Golden Beach Esplanade at ridiculous speeds – passing on the inside, cutting people off, doing 50 to 60kph,” Mr Tomkins said.
“It’s not just dangerous for them but for pedestrians too.”
He said despite clear laws and hefty fines, enforcement was “virtually non-existent” in Caloundra compared to other areas like Noosa, where police had successfully cracked down using trail bikes and drones.
“They have all the powers in the world, but it’s all rubbish if no one’s enforcing them,” Mr. Tomkins said.
“In Noosa, they caught them no worries at all.
“Here, it’s like no one’s interested.
“The police just need a trail bike down Golden Beach Esplanade any afternoon after school, and they’d catch them, simple as that.”
Mr Tomkins, who is in his 80s and cycles most days, has had numerous run ins with E-bike and E-scooter riders behaving recklessly on the road.
“If their parents think they’re out there just having fun and getting exercise they’re dead wrong,” he said.
“The language coming out of most of their mouths, the attitude and blatant disregard for anyone but themselves and not to mention they’re not even pedalling – getting no exercise at all.”
MP for Caloundra Kendall Morton said she recognised the growing concern Caloundra residents had about the prevalence of E-Scooters and E-Bikes, or PMDs (Personal Mobility Devices) on our roads and footpaths.
“All riders need to be aware of their legal obligations, these include age and speed limits as well as where and how PMD’s can be used,” Ms Morton said.
“Laws do allow for PMD’s to be used in Bike Lanes on roads where the speed limit is less than 50kph, however with this right comes the responsibility to follow all road rules.
“All users need to be aware that a range of fines exist from $143 to $1078 for breaking E-Scooter laws.
“PMD’s are a part of our developing transportation landscape, and all users, motorists and pedestrians need to co-exist for the safety of all.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the number of tickets issued for speeding and not wearing helmets after a recent police crackdown was “alarming”.
“I understand there are genuine community concerns around the improper use of personal mobility devices,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“It’s important that we manage the importation of high-speed e-scooters and e-bikes that do not comply with Queensland laws and put the safety of users and pedestrians at risk – I have raised this issue with my federal counterparts.”
According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, a lack of registration is not a barrier to police enforcement of illegal E-bike use.
Bikes fitted with a motor in excess of 250 watts, or capable of being ridden without pedalling are considered “non-compliant motorbikes”.
Riders face an on-the-spot fine of $258 for riding an unregistered vehicle.
This fine can also be issued to parents who permit their children to ride an illegal device.
The maximum speed for e-bikes in Queensland is 25kph when the motor is assisting the rider.
An e-bike can only be ridden in excess of 25kph under pedal power, with no assistance from the motor.
The maximum speed limit for bicycles, which includes e-bikes, is the same as the speed limit on the road they are travelling on or adjacent to, unless specifically signed otherwise.
You may ride on paths unless there’s a sign prohibiting personal mobility devices. You must comply with the following speed limits:
- Footpaths — 12kph maximum
- Shared paths — 12kph maximum (unless signed otherwise)
- Separated paths— 25kph maximum (unless signed otherwise)
- Bicycle paths — 25kph maximum (unless signed otherwise)
A range of laws apply to ensure safe interactions between bicycles and pedestrians on paths. For example, riders must:
- keep left and give way to pedestrians on paths,
- ride on the bicycle side of separated baths, and
- not ride in areas where no bicycle signs apply, which are often high-risk pedestrian zones such as malls.
