Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton MP spoke an impassioned adjournment speech in Queensland Parliament this week regarding the need for innovative and proactive solutions to curb reckless electric bike, scooter and illegal motorbike usage.
“Just recently we had another young Queenslander critically hurt. How many injuries or deaths will it take to resolve this? We have been raising the danger since 2022. Yes, there has been some action, however it has not been enough,” Ms Bolton said.
Local police have been excellent with enforcement including completing street checks, identifying and warning juveniles, issuing infringements and impounding bikes, as well as charging parents in certain circumstances.
“As always, gratitude to our police for their persistence, especially since the new laws regarding these devices came into effect in February 2024,” Ms Bolton said.
Even though these devices must meet Australian Design Rules and there are laws on speed and age limits, as well further legislation passed for greater enforcement, as the Noosa MP mentioned in Parliament, all of this misses very important aspects.
“How are police expected to safely chase offenders who are mostly without helmets, at speeds exceeding that of cars? How can they identify and issue infringement notices when there is no number plate identification? What about retailers and parental responsibility, and who is monitoring to ensure adherence to design rules? Without licensing, registration or the ability to insure, how can we move beyond the current status quo?” she said.
Sandy has compiled recommendations from first responders, local community groups and residents on what urgent reforms are needed to increase community safety and has provided them to the relevant ministers.
“These include enhanced monitoring, awareness and education in schools, needed legislation and enforcement powers, insurance, registration for legal electric bikes as well as support for local government to introduce or strengthen local regulations on where these devices can be ridden and ensuring compliance of speed restrictions at the point of sale,” Ms Bolton said.
The federal government has a role to play, as tighter import controls need to be implemented, considering the high number of electric bikes, scooters and motorbikes that do not comply with Australian Design Rules being imported from overseas and purchased online.
With increased offences occurring in Noosa National Park, Sandy has also raised with the Minister for Environment the need for greater enforcement.
The minister has recently responded that as a result of emerging activities, such as the inappropriate use of electric bikes and scooters, they have increased ranger patrols and the training of new authorised officers.
“The excuse that licensing and registration are too hard or expensive does not pass the pub test, and I ask that the government listen to Queensland communities on what further is needed for greater safety now, and in the future on our roads and pathways,” Ms Bolton said.
Assist police by reporting offenders to Policelink by calling 131 444 or by lodging an online report at www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting, and for anyone who has CCTV cameras, you can register with the Community Camera Alliance at www.police.qld.gov.au/safety-and-preventing-crime/community-camera-alliance.
For Sandy’s latest updates regarding reckless electric bike, scooter and motorbike usage, visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=electric
