Personal Mobility Devices (Qld)

Queensland was the first Australian state to trial the use of rentable electric scooters such as Lime and Neuron. These fall into the category of personal mobility devices, which also includes segways and electric skateboards. Personal mobility devices are regulated under the Queensland Road Rules. Queensland has quite permissive rules relating to the use of personal mobility devices in comparisons to other states (such as New South Wales, where they are not allowed to be used on roads or in public places). This article outlines the road rules that apply to personal mobility devices in Queensland.

Personal mobility devices

Personal mobility devices (rideables) include scooters, electric skateboards and segways. Personal mobility devices are subject to a speed limit of 25km/ph and must comply with various rules. They do not have to be registered in Queensland.

Users of personal mobility devices must:

• Be designed for use by one person only
• Be no heavier than 60kg when not carrying a load
• Be powered by an electric motor
• Have no sharp protrusions
• Have a braking system.

Users of person mobility devices must:

• Be aged at least 16 (or 12 with adult supervision)
• Wear a helmet securely fitted at all times (unless a medical exemption has been granted)
• Not ride when affected by alcohol
• Not use a mobile device while riding
• Use lights when riding at night or in hazardous conditions.

Rideables can be ridden two abreast but must not obstruct the path of another road user.

Where can personal mobility devices be used?

Wheeled mobility devices can be used on paths and on roads under some circumstances. They may be used on local roads – roads with a speed limit of not more than 50 kmph and no diving line or median strip. They are not allowed to be used on roads in the Brisbane CBD area.

Failing to comply with the road rules that apply to wheeled mobility devices can result in a fine of $133 or more.

Wheeled Recreational Devices

Wheeled recreational devices are skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades and foot scooters. Foot scooters with small electric motors (under 200 watts) are also classified as wheeled recreational devices.

A person using a wheeled recreational device is not required to wear a helmet (unless the device is a foot scooter with a motor, in which case a helmet must be worn).

What are the road rules for wheeled recreational devices?

A person using a wheeled recreational device must not:

• Use it on a road with a centre line or median strip, or on a one-way road with more than one marked lane
• Use it on a road with a speed limit of more than 50km/h
• Use it on a road at night. However, you can ride a wheeled recreational device on a footpath at night;
• Cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver, or unreasonably obstruct the path of another road user.
• Use it alongside more than one other person or vehicle travelling on a road in the same direction, unless overtaking

When using a wheeled recreational device, a person must:

• Keep to the far left of the road or to the left of the footpath;
• Give way to pedestrians on a footpath or to cyclists on a bike path;
• Use it on a road or footpath where there is a sign displayed prohibiting its use.

Wheeled toys

Wheeled toys are scooters, tricycles and pedal cars used by children under 12. Such toys may be used on the footpath and on the road under certain conditions. Users must keep to the left and not obstruct the path of other road or path users.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.