The Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland has welcomed the move to ban under-16s from riding e-scooters, e-bikes and e-motorbikes.
The parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices has released its report, with a key recommendation being age restrictions.
President Dr Nick Yim says it’s a sensible and responsible outcome.
“The report highlighted that 12 Queenslanders died in e-mobility-related incidents in 2025, including children, with more than 6300 people requiring treatment in emergency departments,” he says. “Tragically, most of these incidents were likely preventable, meaning the inquiry’s recommendations to improve the use and regulation of these devices is much needed.
“This will save lives.”
AMA Queensland made a formal submission to the parliamentary inquiry in June 2025, with Dr Yim appearing in person during hearings in August last year.
“We also wrote to Transport and Main Roads Minister Brett Mickelberg in November 2025, urging the government not to wait for the inquiry’s report before implementing an under-16s ban,” Dr Yim says. “The Minister acknowledged our commitment to reducing the risk from e-scooters and e-bikes, and we’re glad a ban will finally be put in place.”
Dr Yim says doctors would welcome speed limits of 25kmh on e-mobility devices, after which they would be reclassified in the same category as motorcycles.
“Another positive step is ensuring users abide by the same alcohol and drug rules as other road users, which should reduce risky behaviour,” he says.
Dr Yim says there are other recommendations that doctors would be pleased to see implemented.
“The recommendation to embed e-mobility into strategic transport infrastructure for high-quality, connected and separated pathway networks is particularly welcome,” he says.
“AMA Queensland has been advocating for active travel to improve public health and reduce carbon emissions for some time, particularly around schools, parks and hospitals,” he says.
“We understand that e-mobility devices have a role to play in giving people access to affordable transport, increasing physical activity and addressing climate change.
“We continue to advocate for increased government investment in appropriate infrastructure, such as dedicated cycleways and pathways to minimise shared use among road-vehicle drivers and e-mobility users.
“The rollout of community safety campaigns for riders, driver and the broader community is also something AMA Queensland has advocated for and hope to see implemented by the government.”
