Queensland Proposes New E-Bike, E-Scooter Rules

0:00It's March 5th in Sydney, let's get into the news. Queensland's transport minister says, current rules for e-bikes and e-scooters just are not practical anymore. The government is now looking at new restrictions, like an age limit of 16 for riders and requiring some kind of license. If they go ahead, Queensland would match South Australia and Western Australia on the age rule but become the first place to demand licenses for these. Devices Right now, kids between 12 and 16 can only ride if an adult supervises them. But the minister points out that is not really happening. This all comes from a big parliamentary inquiry into safety, which highlighted 6,000 hospital visits over three years from e-mobility. Accidents Parents and school groups are pushing back hard. One high school leader on the Gold Coast says the changes would shock families who depend on these devices for kids to get to school or activities. Meanwhile, a Brisbane university student who uses rental e-scooters welcomes the rules

1:00to keep younger kids off them. The inquiry may 28 recommendations total, including powers for police to seize and destroy illegal devices right away, plus holding parents. Accountable for their kids riding It also suggests a 10 kilometer per hour speed limit on footpaths and treating faster bikes as motorcycles. The minister says they will respond quickly, though not everyone agrees. Experts like bicycle Queensland worry it could limit access for tourists and students, but officials stress the knee for road rule knowledge to cut, down on injuries. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor. See the episode description. Comfort you can hear. Sound you can relax into. S-O-L-L-I-SOLY-PILLOW.com