Queensland Police Crack Down on Non-Compliant E-Mobility Devices

Police in Queensland have seized over 500 e-mobility devices and issued more than 2,300 fines in just three months as part of a crackdown on non-compliant e-bikes and e-scooters.

According to authorities, the misuse of e-mobility devices can have "life-threatening consequences".

Crackdown on Non-Compliant Devices

As part of Operation Yankee Surety, which began in July, police have seized 558 devices and handed out over 2,400 traffic infringement notices to riders. On average, six illegal e-mobility devices are being seized every day, with more than 27 infringement notices being issued daily.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Partrige said, "Electric power assisted cycles, e-scooter and other e-mobility devices are vehicles, and like any other vehicle, dangerous behaviours like speeding, drink riding or using non-compliant devices can have life-threatening consequences — not only for the rider,"

"Non-compliant devices and dangerous riding have no place in our communities, and police will continue to take enforcement action against those disregarding the law."

Reasons for Fines

Of the 2,400 fines issued, about 1,500 — more than 60 per cent — were for riders failing to wear a helmet, while a further 157 users were caught speeding. Police conducted 878 roadside breath tests on e-mobility riders over the three months, with 68 drink riders prosecuted.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Partrige said, "As with any road safety operation, our goal under Operation Yankee Surety is to protect all road and pathway users, including those on e-mobility devices,"

Hotspots for Illegal E-Mobility Activity

Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and Capricornia have emerged as the hotspots for illegal e-mobility activity, according to police data for the first three months of the campaign. The Sunshine Coast led the state in terms of non-compliant bikes seized by police, with 146 compared to 88 on the Gold Coast.

North Brisbane saw 511 notices given out, while South Brisbane users received 433. Capricornia reported 254 notices issued over the same period, almost twice of neighbouring Mackay Whitsunday (133). The Queensland capital city recorded the highest number of positive RBTs for e-mobility users with a combined 38.

Since licensing restrictions for e-bikes and e-scooter came into effect at the end of August, 64 tickets have been issued for non-compliance.