Children under 16 will no longer be allowed to ride electric mobility devices in Queensland, Australia, as per new safety laws. The state government has agreed to implement 28 safety recommendations, including the under-16 ban, following a parliamentary inquiry. Queensland’s transport minister, Brent Mickelberg, announced plans to introduce these reforms promptly to enhance safety measures.
The new regulations will mandate that e-bike and e-scooter riders possess at least a Queensland learner driver’s license, which has a minimum age requirement of 16. This measure aims to ensure riders’ familiarity with road rules and safety precautions. According to the parliamentary inquiry, 12 fatalities and 6,300 injuries were linked to e-mobility incidents in Queensland in 2025.
To prioritize children’s safety, Mickelberg emphasized the prohibition on under-16s using these devices. Additionally, the upcoming laws will enforce a maximum speed limit of 10 km per hour for e-mobility devices on footpaths. Police will also receive enhanced authority to seize and dismantle illegal devices, along with conducting random breath tests on riders.
Australia had previously implemented a pioneering social media restriction for under-16s on major platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the move as a means of supporting children navigating the challenges of social media and encouraged them to utilize their school breaks productively instead of excessive screen time.
The initiative garnered global attention, with countries such as Denmark, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, and New Zealand reportedly contemplating similar restrictions on teen social media usage.
