The Queensland Government has been criticised for stepping back from a proposed ban of under 16s riding e-mobility devices.
A parliamentary inquiry made the recommendation as part of its investigation into e-motorbike, e-bike and e-scooter crashes in Queensland after widespread community outcry.
However, the Government has stopped short of banning under 16s in legislation due before parliament this week.
Children between 12 and 17 will still be allowed to ride with parental supervision or at mountain bike tracks and with exemptions for medical conditions and disabilities.
Queensland doctors have slammed the Government for not implementing a ban on under 16s riding the devices.
AMA Queensland president, Associate Professor Erica Gannon, says the proposed new laws have been knee-capped by allowing 12 to 17-year-olds to ride devices with parental supervision and the other exemptions.
“This bill was supposed to save lives,” she said.
“This decision puts us right back where we started, with children being injured and killed.
“We’re struggling to see what the point of the inquiry was, if there is to be almost no change in the legislation.”
Assoc Prof Gannon said doctors were sick of seeing preventable injuries from e-mobility device accidents.
“Emergency department physicians see the damage e-bikes and e-scooters cause and it’s no joke,” she said.
The Government said the laws are still nation-leading and give police the powers they need to crack down on illegal and high-powered e-mobility devices.
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg outlined what the new laws will mean when they start on July 1.
Police will be able to seize and destroy illegal devices and conduct random breath tests for riders in public places.
Bikes and scooters that can exceed 25km/h unassisted will be banned and 12km speed limits to apply near pedestrians.
There will be increased penalties for speeding, not wearing a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding on prohibited roads.
Parents will be accountable for children under 16 riding illegally and riders over the 0.05 blood alcohol limit will face fines of more than $500, with maximum court penalties of up to $6,908.
Mr Mickelberg said the government is responding to concerns from the community around e-scooter and e-bike use in Queensland.
“When we first began this reform process, we said we would make the tough decisions to keep the community safe,” he said.
“But we have also listened to the community, and will introduce provisions so those aged 12-17 and those with a medical condition or will be able to use e-mobility devices under certain conditions.
“Our reforms are based on extensive community and expert consultation, and they strike the right balance between making our streets safer from those who do the wrong thing, while backing those people who do the right thing.
Katherine Bates, Managing Director of road safety organisation Amy’s Foundation, welcomed the focus on reducing harm.
“Of the twelve e-mobility deaths in Queensland last year, only one involved a legal e-bike. The harm comes from illegal, high-powered devices, and these laws are right to target that,” Ms Bates said.
Two people died in e-mobility device crashes on the Sunshine Coast last year.
