Electric scooter laws in Queensland: what is legal in 2026
Private e-scooters are legal on footpaths, shared paths, bike paths and some local roads. The cap is 12 km/h on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths, and 25 km/h elsewhere. Unsupervised riders must be 16 or older and hold a valid driver licence (minimum learner), subject to limited exemptions. Figures were checked against Queensland Government guidance on 3 September 2026.
Last reviewed 3 Sep 2026
Electric scooter rider in Queensland. Photo for illustration.
Key points
- Legal on footpaths, shared paths, bike paths and some local roads statewide.
- Footpath speed is capped at 12 km/h at all times since 1 July 2026 (fines from about $345).
- Shared paths: 12 km/h when passing pedestrians, up to 25 km/h where signed. Roads with a 60 km/h limit or less: up to 25 km/h in relevant lanes.
- Helmet compulsory, bicycle or motorbike type (about $518 fine).
- Unsupervised riders must be at least 16 and hold a valid driver licence (minimum learner; Queensland, interstate or recognised overseas). Riders aged 12 to 17 can ride under direct adult supervision under the published exemption.
Queensland remains the most permissive state for e-scooters, with footpaths, shared paths, bike paths and some local roads all open to private riders. But 2026 is the year the rules tightened: the footpath cap dropped to 12 km/h on 1 July, and from 31 August 2026 unsupervised riders need to be at least 16 and hold at least a learner licence.
Where you can ride in Queensland
- Legal on footpaths, shared paths, bike paths and some local roads statewide.
- Footpath speed is capped at 12 km/h at all times since 1 July 2026 (fines from about $345).
- Shared paths: 12 km/h when passing pedestrians, up to 25 km/h where signed. Roads with a 60 km/h limit or less: up to 25 km/h in relevant lanes.
- Helmet compulsory, bicycle or motorbike type (about $518 fine).
- From 31 August 2026, unsupervised riders must be at least 16 and hold at least a learner licence (Queensland, interstate or overseas). Children 12 to 15 can still ride under direct adult supervision.
- Devices must be limited so they cannot exceed 25 km/h by 28 February 2027.
Speed limits at a glance
Checked against Queensland Government guidance on 2026-09-03. Rules change; always confirm with the official source linked below before you ride.
| Where | Speed cap in QLD |
|---|---|
| Footpaths | 12 km/h |
| Shared and bike paths / eligible roads | 25 km/h |
| Device ceiling (nationwide) | 25 km/h |
What changed in 2026
Two changes are landing close together: the 12 km/h footpath cap and new equipment standards took effect on 1 July 2026, and the driver licence requirement for unsupervised riders began on 31 August 2026. A hard deadline of 28 February 2027 has also been set for devices to be speed limited to 25 km/h.
What this means when you are buying
Queensland buyers should treat the ability to genuinely lock a scooter to 25 km/h as non negotiable, because from February 2027 a device that can exceed 25 km/h will not be compliant at all. If you are 16 or 17, or buying for a teenager, factor in the driver licence requirement now in force.
Nationally, the device itself must not be able to exceed 25 km/h to sit in the legal class at all. Our how to limit an e-scooter to 25 km/h guide explains what a genuine limit looks like, and our legal class vs private land explainer covers why an unlimitable performance scooter is a private land device in every state. To see which models fit, browse the full directory, where every scooter carries an honest per state legality readout.
How QLD compares
For the full picture across the country, see our national state by state guide. Nearby: NSW e-scooter laws, NT e-scooter laws, ACT e-scooter laws.
Queensland buyers should treat the ability to genuinely lock a scooter to 25 km/h as non negotiable. Unsupervised riders now need a valid driver licence, and the published exemptions are limited.
Frequently asked questions
Are electric scooters legal in Queensland?
Yes. Private e-scooters are legal on footpaths (12 km/h cap), shared paths and bike paths (up to 25 km/h where signed) and some local roads. Helmets are compulsory and riders must be 16 or older unless supervised.
Do I need a licence to ride an e-scooter in Queensland?
Yes. Unsupervised riders must be at least 16 and hold a valid driver licence (minimum learner). Riders aged 12 to 17 may ride under direct adult supervision, and other limited exemptions apply.
What is the footpath speed limit for e-scooters in Queensland?
12 km/h at all times, reduced from 25 km/h on 1 July 2026. Fines for footpath speeding start at around $345.
Can my e-scooter go faster than 25 km/h in Queensland?
The riding caps already apply, and by 28 February 2027 every device must be limited so it cannot exceed 25 km/h. Scooters that cannot be locked down will not be compliant for public riding.
Sources
- Queensland Government StreetSmarts (checked 23 Aug 2026)