Queensland Police report first three months of e-bike enforcement

Queensland Police have released their first three-month tally under the state's new e-bike and e-scooter laws, which began on 1 July 2026. According to ABC News, officers seized 558 non-compliant devices between July and September, an average of about six a day. They also issued more than 2,300 traffic infringement notices.

What police found

Helmets made up the bulk of the fines, at about 1,500, or more than 60 per cent of the total. There were 157 speeding fines and 68 drink riding prosecutions from 878 roadside breath tests. Another 64 tickets were for licensing, issued after the licensing changes that came in at the end of August. The Sunshine Coast recorded the most seizures with 146 devices, followed by the Gold Coast with 88. North Brisbane had the most infringement notices at 511.

The rules behind the numbers

From 1 July, Queensland police can seize non-compliant devices and carry out random breath tests on riders, with higher penalties for helmet and speeding offences. ABC News reports that licensing and age requirements for e-bike and e-scooter riders then took effect at the end of August, including learner licence provisions. Rules and penalties are set by the state, so check the Queensland Government pages for the current detail before you ride or buy.

What it means for buyers

If you live in Queensland, or ride there, the rules now affect what you can buy and who in the household can ride it. Check that any e-bike you are considering is a genuine 250W, 25 km/h pedal assist model, and check the age and licence rules for the person who will ride it. On BikeFinder you can compare e-bikes by motor type, assist limit and price so you can shortlist models that suit those rules.