The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has responded to criticism over the seizure of a Sunshine Coast mother’s e-bike during a school pick-up stop.
The Buddina mother says she was distressed after police stopped her while she was riding to collect her two children, before seizing the bike and driving the family home in a police vehicle.
Police deemed the e-bike non-compliant on the basis that its motor exceeded the 250-watt threshold defined under current regulations. This was despite the bike being electronically limited to a maximum speed of 25kmh.
“I’m confused. On one hand, I feel like I’m doing the right thing by the planet and by our kids, riding to school and making the most of our beautiful coastal pathway here in Buddina,” the mother says.
A QPS spokesperson says officers intercepted a rider and two children on an electrically power-assisted cycle (EPAC) near a shopping centre at Buddina just after 3pm on July 14.
“Upon closer inspection, officers reasonably suspected the device did not meet the legal requirements, making it a non-compliant e-motorcycle, and therefore seized the item,” a spokesperson says.
“The rider, a woman in her 30s, and two children were driven home, to ensure they safely made it to their destination.
“Anyone whose e-bike is seized can apply to have their device released by filling out an application within 30 days of the device seizure.
“The rider has since made an application for release, which is currently being considered by the Queensland Police Service.”
The family has since contacted Deputy Premier and State Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie, with the MP’s office confirming it is seeking clarification from Kawana Police.
The incident has reignited debate about whether current e-bike regulations reflect how some families are using the devices for everyday transport, including school trips and commuting.
The mother is calling for regulations to better consider e-bikes that are speed-limited and ridden responsibly, rather than being assessed primarily on motor wattage.
QPS has powers to seize e-mobility devices that officers reasonably suspect do not comply with legal requirements.
This can include but is not limited to:
- over-powered motors with the capability to exceed 250W on EPACs
- oversized or high-speed personal mobility devices
- bicycles with aftermarket electric motors or petrol engines fitted
- unregistered or unregistrable motorbikes ridden in public spaces.
New and increased penalties:
- Not wearing a helmet – $518
- Doubling – $518
- Riding on a prohibited road – $518
- Careless riding – $518
- Speeding – $345 to $1,986 depending on speed
- Drink riding – $518 to $6,908.
Visit streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/
Stronger laws came into effect on July 1:
- parents will be fined for under 16s riding illegally
- police can seize and destroy illegal devices
- police will conduct random breath tests for drink riding
- devices faster than 25kmhare banned
- 12kmh speed limits apply on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths
- e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles can be ridden on roads, including on-road bike lanes, with a speed limit of up to 60kmh. But riders can only go to a maximum speed of 25kmh
- Higher penalties apply for speeding, failure to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding e-scooters, e-skateboards or e-unicycles on prohibited roads
- e-scooter, e-skateboard and e-unicycle riders must be aged 16 years or older to ride unsupervised. Children aged 12-15 can ride only under adult supervision
- retailers are banned from selling e-mobility devices to under-16s.
Effective from August 31:
- riders of e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles must be 16 with a licence. Some exemptions for medical conditions and disabilities, for 12 to 17-year-olds riding with adult supervision, and for people riding in designated recreational areas will apply.
