On this page · 6 sections
Who can ride
| Rider | Can they ride an e-scooter? |
|---|---|
| 16+ with a learner, provisional or open licence | Yes |
| 16+ with an interstate or overseas licence | Yes — Queensland recognises interstate and overseas licences |
| Licence expired, suspended or disqualified | No |
| Under 16 without a learner licence | Only if supervised by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian close enough to give instructions |
| 16–17 without a licence | Only if supervised the same way |
| Any age, on a rail trail, mountain bike trail or private recreational bike facility | No age or licence requirement in these designated places |
| 16+ who can’t hold a licence for medical or disability reasons | Yes, with a medical exemption (Form F5464) carried while riding |
StreetSmarts describes the supervised exemption as covering riders aged 12 to 17. Brisbane City Council says children under 12 must not ride.
Medical and disability exemption
- For riders 16 or older who can’t hold a licence because of a medical condition or disability.
- Fill in Form F5464 and have a health professional who knows your history sign it. Carry it when you ride and show it to police if asked.
- People eligible for a medical exemption have until 30 November 2026 to get the form (StreetSmarts).
- It can’t be used if your licence was suspended, disqualified or cancelled for other reasons.
Hire e-scooters (Lime, Neuron)
Riders of shared e-scooters in Brisbane must be 16 or older (Brisbane City Council). Hire companies have until March 2027 to take reasonable steps to check riders’ age and licence — for example an in-app declaration or sighting a licence (ABC News, 30 August 2026). The licence rule applies to you from 31 August 2026 either way. E-scooters in Brisbane
Fines
| Offence | Fine |
|---|---|
| Riding without a licence or exemption (16+) | $518 |
| Under-16 riding without a licence or exemption | $518 |
| Parent failing to stop a child under 16 riding illegally | $518 |
No demerit points apply to e-scooter offences. Since 1 July 2026 it’s also illegal to sell an e-scooter to anyone under 16 in Queensland, including private sales. All Queensland e-scooter fines
No registration or insurance
A legal e-scooter doesn’t need registration or compulsory insurance in Queensland. You can still record yours privately: a free E-scooter Passport keeps the serial number, photos and receipt together — handy if it’s stolen or seized.
Is my e-scooter legal in Queensland? →
More: Queensland e-scooter laws · licence and age · where you can ride · fines · seized e-scooters · Brisbane · 25 km/h deadline
General information, not legal advice. EbikeMate is an independent register and marketplace — not the police or a government service. Check the official sources below.
Common questions
Do you need a licence to ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
Yes. Since 31 August 2026 riders must be 16 or older and hold a valid driver licence — a learner licence is enough — unless an exemption applies.
Can I ride an e-scooter in Queensland on an overseas licence?
Yes. Queensland recognises interstate and overseas driver licences for e-scooter riders, as long as the licence is valid.
Can a 14-year-old ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
Only when supervised by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian who is close enough to give instructions, or in designated places such as rail trails and mountain bike trails.
What is the fine for riding an e-scooter without a licence in Queensland?
$518. A parent who fails to stop a child under 16 riding illegally can also be fined $518.
Do e-scooters need registration in Queensland?
No. A legal e-scooter doesn’t need registration or insurance — only the rider needs a licence or exemption.
Sources
- Rules for personal mobility devices (updated 26 August 2026) — Queensland Government
- E-bikes, e-scooters and personal mobility devices (updated 7 October 2026) — StreetSmarts, Queensland Government
- Personal mobility device riding rules and fines (updated 26 August 2026) — Queensland Government
- E-mobility — Brisbane City Council
- Driver’s licence mandatory to ride e-bikes and e-scooters (30 August 2026) — ABC News
This guide explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.