Queensland E-Scooter Laws 2026: Licence, Under-16 Rules, 25km/h Limit and Which Scooters Are Still Legal
Short answer: since 31 August 2026, you must be 16 or older and hold at least a learner licence to ride an e-scooter in public in Queensland. Your scooter must not be able to go faster than 25km/h, you're capped at 12km/h on footpaths, and a helmet is compulsory. Riding on private property isn't covered by these road rules.
Queensland rolled out its e-mobility reforms in two stages in 2026. If you're buying a scooter — or already own one — here's exactly what changed and how to stay on the right side of the law.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change; check the Queensland Government's personal mobility device rules before you ride.
What changed in 2026
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 1 July 2026 | Tougher device and riding rules began: devices must be limited to 25km/h, 12km/h in pedestrian areas, higher penalties, police powers to seize illegal devices and breath-test riders. |
| 31 August 2026 | Licence requirement started: riders must be 16+ and hold a valid driver licence (learner or higher). |
| 28 February 2027 | Scooters bought before 1 July 2026 must be restricted to 25km/h by this date. |
Source: Queensland StreetSmarts and Queensland Government media statement.
Who can ride: age and licence
- 16 and over, with a licence. You need a current driver licence — a learner licence is the minimum. Interstate and overseas licences are recognised.
- Under 16s can't ride an e-scooter in public on their own. Parents can be fined if their child is caught riding illegally.
- Exemptions exist for supervised riding by a parent or carer, designated recreational areas such as some rail trails and mountain-bike parks, and people who can't hold a licence for medical or disability reasons (an exemption certificate is required).
Speed limits and where you can ride
| Where | Allowed? | Max speed |
|---|---|---|
| Footpaths | Yes (unless signed otherwise) | 12km/h |
| Shared paths | Yes | 12km/h when passing pedestrians |
| Bicycle and separated paths | Yes | 25km/h |
| Roads and bike lanes | Roads with a limit of 60km/h or less; separated bike lanes on any road | 25km/h |
| Areas signed "personal mobility devices prohibited" | No | — |
Which scooters are legal in Queensland?
To be ridden in public, a personal mobility device must:
- be electric and unable to exceed 25km/h under motor power
- weigh no more than 60kg unloaded
- be no more than 750mm wide and 1,350mm high
Many high-powered scooters can reach 40km/h or more. Those now have to be restricted to 25km/h to be ridden in public. If a scooter advertises a higher "private property" speed, make sure it can be locked to 25km/h, and keep it there whenever you're off your own land.
Road-legal scooters we stock (25km/h top speed)
| Scooter | Top speed | Range | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESA Pro | 25km/h | Up to 25km | 12kg | $439 |
| ESA Pro Elite | 25km/h | Up to 25km | 12kg | $488 |
| Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 | 25km/h | Approx. 35km | 15kg | $649 |
| Gyroor X2 Iron (with basket) | 25km/h | Up to 30km | — | $929 |
| V-10 Folding | 25km/h | Up to 35km | 18kg | $999 |
| V-50 Seated | 25km/h | Up to 35km | 35kg | $2,499 |
Prices as of October 2026. All of these have a 25km/h top speed out of the box, so there's nothing to restrict.
Helmets, lights, phones and alcohol
- Helmet: an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet, fitted and fastened. The fine is $518. Browse helmets, including Livall smart helmets with brake and turn lights.
- Lights at night: a white front light visible from 200m, a red rear light visible from 200m, and a red rear reflector.
- Phones: you can't hold your phone while riding. A handlebar mount for navigation is fine.
- Alcohol: the limit is under 0.05 BAC, and police can now breath-test riders.
- Passengers: one rider only — not even a child.
What about kids under 16?
Under-16s can't ride e-scooters in public on their own any more. For younger riders, look at ride-ons, quad bikes and balance bikes designed for backyards and private property. Our guide to kids' electric ride-ons, quads and buggies covers the options by age.
FAQ
Do I need a licence to ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
Yes. Since 31 August 2026 you need at least a learner licence to ride in public, unless you have an exemption.
Can I still ride a fast scooter on private property?
Road rules apply to roads and road-related areas such as footpaths and paths. On private land you need the owner's permission. Any scooter ridden in public must be limited to 25km/h.
I bought my scooter before 1 July 2026. Is it still legal?
It must be restricted so it can't exceed 25km/h by 28 February 2027. Check your scooter's settings or ask the manufacturer how to lock its top speed.
Are e-scooter laws the same in other states?
No. NSW still bans private e-scooters in public, while Victoria, WA, SA, Tasmania and the ACT allow them with different limits. See our state-by-state guide to e-scooter and hoverboard laws.
Ready to ride legally? Shop road-legal commuter scooters.