Queensland Police fine Brisbane CBD e-scooter and e-bike riders under new laws

Cops are now enforcing a little-known footpath law in Australia – with huge fines for those who break the rules

  • Queensland Police began enforcing e-scooter and e-bike laws on November 1
  • The new QLD laws include speed 12kmph limits, road rules and driver guidelines
  • One Reddit user shared a photo of one e-bike rider being fined by four officers
  • The photo divided commenters with some accusing QLD of being a ‘nanny state’ 

Queensland’s new e-scooter and e-bike laws have divided residents, with some feeling safer on walkways, while others complain they live in a ‘nanny state’.

One Redditor snapped a photo of four Queensland Police officers fining an e-bike rider on Wednesday at a popular walking spot in Brisbane’s CBD.

They wrote: ‘Thoughts on the new e-scooter laws and bicycle speeds on inner city pathways? Cops were out enforcing today on the Footbridge from Southbank.’

Queensland began enforcing its long-flagged e-scooter and e-bike laws at the start of November.

A photo shared online shows four police officers talking to a pedestrian and fining an e-bike rider (circled in red) after new assisted mobility device laws were enforced on November 1

The laws require riders to travel under 12kmph on walkways, with heavy fines for those who are caught breaking the speed limit.

Several people shared their approval of the rule changes under the photo.

‘Fantastic! This year alone I missed being hit by the skin of my teeth twice,’ one commenter wrote.

‘One was speeding past as I stepped out of my office building and the other running a red in a bike lane as I stepped out to cross.’

Another said: ‘Good. Slow down. Those things are dangerous.’

Queensland has implemented controversial speed limit laws for e-scooter and e-bike riders (pictured, e-scooters in Brisbane's CBD)

Queensland has implemented controversial speed limit laws for e-scooter and e-bike riders (pictured, e-scooters in Brisbane’s CBD)

An e-scooter rider wrote: ‘It’s a bit of hotspot for accidents because of the climb then downhill decline of the bridge.’

However, many more commenters said the laws were unnecessary and targeted everyday riders instead of people who use e-scooters dangerously.

‘Typical nanny state, money grabbing racket,’ one person said. 

‘Just what we need. Four cops on a bridge protecting civilians from scooterists,’ another wrote.

A third commented: ‘Classic cops too. They’re set up at the bottom of the ramp. Things gain speed going down hill.

‘Isn’t it illegal for them to do this for cars?’

QUEENSLAND’S E-SCOOTER LAWS

E-scooters and e-bikes can’t go faster than 12kmhp on pedestrian or shared walkways. Riders caught exceeding the speed limit can be fined up to $575.

However, riders can be fined up to $1,078 for dangerous driving which includes excessive speeding and using a mobile phone.

E-scooters can be ridden in road bike lanes that have speed limits under 50kmph or are physically separated from the road. Riders can be fined $173 for riding on illegal roads.

All e-riders must also abide by road rules when on the road, wear a helmet and fit their transport with a bell. 

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