QLD E-Scooter Medical Exemption: How to Ride Without a Licence (30 November Deadline)
Short answer: since 31 August 2026, you need to be 16 and hold a driver licence (a learner licence counts) to ride an e-scooter or e-bike in Queensland. If a medical condition or disability stops you from getting a licence, you can ride with an e-mobility driver licence exemption instead. The grace period to get one ends on 30 November 2026 — after that you must have the exemption with you to ride.
Who needs a licence now?
Queensland's licensing rules started on 31 August 2026. Riders of e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards and e-unicycles on roads and paths must be at least 16 and hold a valid driver licence, including a learner, interstate or overseas licence. Riding without a valid licence carries a $518 fine. Read the full rundown in our Queensland e-scooter laws guide.
Who can get a medical exemption?
According to the Queensland Government, you may be eligible if all of these apply:
- You are 16 or older.
- You have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from getting a driver licence.
- You ride an eligible device, such as a compliant e-bike or e-scooter.
You can't get an exemption if your licence is suspended, disqualified or cancelled for a non-medical reason (for example demerit points or drink driving). And you don't need one at all for a motorised mobility device such as a mobility scooter or motorised wheelchair.
How to get the exemption
- Download the E-Mobility Driver Licence Exemption form (F5464) from the Queensland Government website.
- Complete Part 1 — your declaration.
- Take it to an eligible health practitioner, who completes Part 2. This includes registered health practitioners such as a doctor, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or pharmacist.
- Check the details: your practitioner sets the expiry date (up to five years) and lists which devices you may ride, such as a compliant e-bike, a compliant e-scooter, or both.
- Carry it every time you ride. A paper copy or a digital copy, such as a photo on your phone, is accepted.
If your condition or circumstances change, talk to your health practitioner about whether you can keep riding safely. You'll need a new form when the old one expires.
Your device still has to be compliant
An exemption covers the licence rule only. Your e-scooter or e-bike must still be legal to ride in public in Queensland:
- E-scooters and other personal mobility devices must be limited to 25 km/h, weigh no more than 60 kg, have effective brakes and a bell or horn if they have handlebars.
- E-bikes can have up to 250 W of continuous motor power, with assistance cutting out at 25 km/h.
- Speed limits of 12 km/h apply on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths.
- Helmets are compulsory, and police can seize non-compliant devices.
Not sure about your scooter? See our guide Will police seize my e-scooter?
FAQ
Do I need an exemption for a mobility scooter?
No. Motorised mobility devices such as mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs don't need a licence or an exemption.
How long does the exemption last?
Your health practitioner decides, up to a maximum of five years.
Can I ride if my licence was suspended for demerit points?
No. A suspended or disqualified licence for a non-medical reason means you can't ride an e-scooter or e-bike lawfully, and you can't get a medical exemption to get around it.
What happens after 30 November 2026?
The grace period ends. From then, eligible riders must hold a completed exemption to ride without a licence.
Rules checked against the Queensland Government's e-mobility licence exemption page in November 2026. Always check the official page for the latest information. Looking for a compliant ride? Browse our commuter scooters and folding e-bikes.