UPDATE: E-bike regulations face urgent reform following the tragic deaths of two young children in separate incidents across Australia. An inquiry has been launched after an 8-year-old boy was killed in a collision involving e-bikes on the Sunshine Coast at approximately 3:30 PM on Thursday. Just 15 minutes earlier, a 5-year-old girl died after being struck by a vehicle outside Rouse Hill Public School in northwest Sydney.
The Queensland government is under pressure to tighten e-bike legislation in the wake of these fatalities. The boy’s death marks the second e-bike fatality in the state within a month, prompting serious discussions among officials about safety standards and regulations. Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg described the situation as a “complex issue,” emphasizing the need for swift action: “We’ve seen rapid evolution of this technology very quickly, but I think it’s fair to say that governments at all levels need to do more to tackle this.”
Following the Sunshine Coast accident, the parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety and use has completed public hearings, with a report due by March 30, 2026. Minister Mickelberg expressed his condolences, stating, “My thoughts are with the family and the friends… I’ve got an eight-year-old son myself. I can only imagine what they’re going through right now.”
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington has confirmed that she is collaborating with the premier and Minister Mickelberg to enhance the legislation. “That is exactly why there is a parliamentary inquiry into e-bikes in this state,” she said. “Right now, my heart goes out to that family. This is an absolute tragedy.”
In Queensland, e-scooters can legally operate at speeds between 20-25 km/h depending on the jurisdiction. Currently, individuals must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike, though those aged 12 to 15 can ride under adult supervision. Authorities are investigating whether the e-bikes involved in the crash were modified, although initial reports suggest both riders were wearing helmets. The other rider, a 15-year-old, declined medical treatment.
Concerns are rising among law enforcement regarding the increasing prevalence of high-powered e-bikes. Chief Inspector Jason Overland noted, “Most police services around Queensland and the country are dealing with issues that are created by these high-powered e-bikes.” He added that modifications to these vehicles are happening faster than laws can adapt: “Some have no pedal assistance at all. If it’s a pedal-assisted bike, that’s one thing – if it’s not, well then it’s a motorcycle.”
Meanwhile, in Sydney, the community mourns the loss of the young girl who was critically injured after being hit by a 43-year-old driver of a ute. Despite being rushed to Westmead Children’s Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. Police have initiated a forensic examination of both the ute and scooter involved in the tragic incident, establishing a crime scene for further investigation.
As these incidents raise alarm about the safety of e-bikes and scooters, parents and communities across Australia are calling for immediate reforms to protect children and ensure responsible usage of these increasingly popular modes of transport. Authorities are expected to announce further developments in the coming days as public pressure mounts for enhanced safety measures.
