| Where | Speed and rules |
|---|---|
| Footpaths | 12 km/h maximum, at all times. Give way to pedestrians. |
| Shared paths | The signed limit — but slow to 12 km/h when passing pedestrians. Keep left, ring your bell. |
| Separated paths | Ride on the bike side only — never the pedestrian side ($172 fine). |
| Bikeways and bike lanes | Allowed. Brisbane City Council allows up to 25 km/h on separated paths and bikeways. |
| Roads | Most roads are fine. Not on motorways or where “no bicycles” signs are installed. |
Fines
- Passing a pedestrian at over 12 km/h on a shared path: $518.
- Not giving way to a pedestrian on a footpath or shared path: $172.
- Riding on the pedestrian side of a separated path: $172.
Drivers and riders
Drivers must give riders at least 1 metre when passing in zones of 60 km/h or less. Riders still need a helmet everywhere, and must be 16+ with at least a learner licence except on recreational trails. Licence rules.
Brisbane bikeways
Brisbane’s main bikeways — the Bicentennial, V1 Veloway, Kedron Brook and North Brisbane — are shared or separated paths, so the 12 km/h passing rule applies whenever people are walking. Inside South Bank Parklands the limit is 10 km/h. E-biking in Brisbane.
This is a plain-English summary of the official rules, not legal advice. EbikeMate is an independent company, not a government service.
Common questions
Can you ride an e-bike on the footpath in Queensland?
Yes, at no more than 12 km/h, giving way to pedestrians.
What is the speed limit for e-bikes on shared paths in Queensland?
The signed limit, but you must slow to 12 km/h when passing pedestrians. Passing faster is a $518 fine.
Can e-bikes go on the road in Queensland?
Yes, on most roads — but not on motorways or where “no bicycles” signs are installed.
Official sources
- Queensland Government — riding e-bikes and e-scooters on footpaths and shared paths
- Queensland Government — E-bike rules in Queensland
- StreetSmarts (TMR) — e-bikes
- Queensland Government — bicycle and e-bike fines
- Brisbane City Council — e-mobility
This guide explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.