Will Police Seize My E-Scooter? Queensland 25 km/h Compliance Checklist (2026)
Short answer: Queensland Police can seize an e-scooter they reasonably suspect doesn't meet the rules. The big one: since 1 July 2026, any e-scooter that can go faster than 25 km/h is banned from public places, including scooters bought before the law changed. If your scooter is faster, it needs to be limited to 25 km/h before you ride it in public. Use the checklist below.
How big is the crackdown?
In the first three months of Queensland's statewide enforcement operation, police seized 558 e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-mobility devices and issued more than 2,400 infringement notices. Helmet offences made up more than 60% of the fines. If a seized device was illegal, you may not get it back.
The compliance checklist
Under Queensland's rules for personal mobility devices (e-scooters, e-skateboards, e-unicycles and Segways), your device must:
- ☐ Be limited to 25 km/h. Not just ridden at 25 — it must be restricted so it can't go faster.
- ☐ Weigh 60 kg or less without a rider or load.
- ☐ Fit the size limits. Devices made after 1 July 2026 must be no more than 750 mm wide and 1,350 mm high.
- ☐ Have an effective stopping system (brakes, gears or motor control).
- ☐ Have a working bell or horn if it has handlebars.
- ☐ Have no sharp protrusions.
- ☐ Be for one person only. No passengers, not even a child.
- ☐ Not be modified to go faster or produce more power.
And you, the rider, must be 16 or older, hold a driver licence (a learner licence counts) or a medical exemption, and wear a fastened helmet.
How to check your scooter's top speed
- Check the spec sheet or manual for the maximum speed. If it's above 25 km/h, it needs limiting.
- Open the app. Many scooters let you set a maximum speed or choose a speed mode. Note that a speed mode you can switch off may not satisfy the rule that the device must be restricted.
- Look for modifications. Unlocked firmware, a replacement controller or a bigger battery can all make a scooter non-compliant.
- Weigh it if it's a big dual-motor model; heavy off-road scooters can exceed 60 kg.
Bought your scooter before 1 July 2026?
The Queensland Government says e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles bought before 1 July 2026 must be limited to a maximum of 25 km/h, and suggests contacting your retailer to discuss options. If you bought your scooter from Electric Drift, email support@electricdrift.com.au with your model and order number and we'll tell you what we know about limiting it.
If your scooter can't be limited, it can still be ridden on private property with the owner's permission.
Where you can ride a compliant e-scooter
- Roads with a speed limit up to 60 km/h, including on-road bike lanes, at no more than 25 km/h.
- Footpaths and shared paths at no more than 12 km/h when passing pedestrians or on footpaths.
- Not past signs that prohibit personal mobility devices.
The fines that catch most riders
| Offence | Fine |
|---|---|
| No helmet, or helmet not fastened | $518 |
| Riding without a valid licence | $518 |
| Riding underage (under 16) | $518 |
Police can also breath test riders (0.05 limit) and seize non-compliant devices.
FAQ
Is a 25 km/h "mode" enough?
The rule is that the device must be restricted so it can't exceed 25 km/h. If a rider can simply switch to a faster mode, check with your retailer or the Queensland Government before riding in public.
Can police take my scooter on the spot?
Yes. Since 1 July 2026, police can seize devices they reasonably suspect are non-compliant.
Does the 25 km/h rule apply to e-bikes?
E-bike motors can only assist up to 25 km/h, with a maximum of 250 W continuous power. You can go faster under your own pedal power. See our guide to the national e-bike safety standard.
Rules checked against the Queensland Government's personal mobility device rules and StreetSmarts pages in November 2026. More detail in our Queensland e-scooter laws guide. Shopping for a new scooter? Check each product page's top speed and weight against this checklist, or ask us before you buy.