E-scooter rules in Queensland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: E-scooters may be ridden on footpaths, shared paths and roads of 60 km/h or less, with a helmet, no passengers and a device limited to 25 km/h. From 31 August 2026 riders must be 16 or over and hold at least a learner licence, with exemptions for supervised riders aged 12 to 17, medical reasons and recreational areas. Footpaths have a 12 km/h limit.

RuleWhat applies
Use on public roadsAllowed [1]
Driving licenceA valid driver licence, at least a learner licence (Queensland, interstate or overseas equivalent), from 31 August 2026. Exemptions: supervised riders aged 12 to 17, medical exemptions, and designated recreational areas. [1]
Minimum age16 years [1]
Helmet requiredYes [1]
Insurance requiredNo [2]
Plate or stickerNo registration is needed to ride a legal personal mobility device. [2]
Maximum speedup to 25 km/h (design speed) [1]
Where to rideFootpaths (12 km/h at all times); shared paths (signed limit, never above 25 km/h, and 12 km/h when passing pedestrians; the bike side of a separated path); roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less, including bike lanes (25 km/h maximum). [1]
Passengers allowedNo [1]

Notes

  • Includes the age and licence rules that took effect on 31 August 2026.
  • Exemptions: supervised riders aged 12 to 17 (a parent or caregiver close enough to instruct), people aged 16 or over with a medical or disability exemption, and designated recreational areas such as rail trails.
  • The page says riders do not 'currently' need registration or insurance for a legal personal mobility device.
  • Devices bought before 1 July 2026 have until 28 February 2027 to be limited to 25 km/h; after that an unlimited device is illegal.

Sources

  1. Queensland Government (Department of Transport and Main Roads, StreetSmarts): E-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles | StreetSmarts - Queensland Government (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Queensland Government: Rules for personal mobility devices - qld.gov.au (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Queensland

  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (110 km/h where signed)
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container refund scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Zero tolerance · THC threshold: Any trace of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules plus age and licence · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while visiting · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or resident visa: Queensland licence after 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Some one-hand opening knives category M
  • MopedsLicence: Class RE or car licence
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Open/P2 only; L/P1 under 25: none
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: A smoke alarm in each bedroom. For each storey with bedrooms: in the hallway that a bedroom door opens onto (or, if a bedroom has no door to a hallway, in the part of the storey between that bedroom and the rest of the dwelling). For a storey with no bedrooms: on the most likely path of travel to an exit. All alarms must be interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravans
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: Under 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.