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Queensland E-Bike Laws

Queensland changed its e-bike laws in 2026, and there is a fair bit to take in. This page sets out what applies, in plain terms, so you know where you stand before you ride.

Every e-bike we supply is compliant with Queensland legislation and the applicable Australian standards, and is legal to ride on Queensland roads, bike lanes, shared paths and bicycle infrastructure.

The short version. On roads, paths and public places a rider must be at least 16 and hold a drivers licence. On many signed mountain bike trails, signed rail trails and commercial bike parks, neither the licence requirement nor any minimum age applies.

Because you choose where you ride, it is worth knowing which is which before you set off.

Where the licence and age rules do not apply

Queensland exempts three kinds of place: a signed mountain bike trail, a signed rail trail, and a commercial bike park, whether entry is free or paid.

Not every trail qualifies. A mountain bike trail has to meet the Government’s criteria, including sitting on eligible public land and being signposted as a mountain bike trail, so many trails are covered and some are not. It is worth checking before you ride.

Locally that includes the Noosa Biosphere Trail Network and the Wooroi trails in Tewantin National Park, both named on the Queensland Government list of e-mobility riding areas, along with Tuchekoi National Park, Eumundi Conservation Park and the Mary Valley Rail Trail.

On those trails you still wear a helmet and still follow the Queensland road rules, including slowing to 12km/h when passing people on shared sections. What falls away is the licence requirement and the minimum age.

The Queensland Government list is not exhaustive. If a trail is signed as a mountain bike trail or a rail trail, the exemption applies whether or not it appears on the list.

Age and licensing requirements

These apply on roads, paths and public places. They do not apply in the areas above.

Riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a current learner permit, drivers licence or equivalent recognised licence. Interstate and overseas licences are accepted.
A licence that has expired, or that has been cancelled or suspended, does not count, and nor does one held by someone disqualified from holding a licence.
Riders aged 12 to 17 without a licence may ride when supervised by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian who is riding with them and close enough to give instructions.
Children under 12 cannot ride an e-bike on roads, paths or public places at all.
An exemption is available for people aged 16 and over who cannot hold a licence because of a medical condition or a physical or mental incapacity. The certificate must be carried while riding and produced to an authorised officer if asked.

Where can I ride?

Legal e-bikes may be ridden anywhere a bicycle can be ridden, including roads, bike lanes, shared paths and dedicated cycling infrastructure, unless signs say otherwise. You cannot ride on motorways or where no bicycle signs are installed.

Speed limits and passing pedestrians

Motor assistance cuts out at 25km/h.
Maximum speed on footpaths is 12km/h.
On shared paths, slow to 12km/h when passing pedestrians.
Signed speed limits apply, and you need to ride with due care around other path users at all times.

Safety requirements

Approved bicycle helmets must be worn at all times, fastened under the chin.
No hand-held mobile phone use while riding. A phone mounted for navigation is fine.
No riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Passengers may only be carried on bikes specifically designed to carry them, and the passenger must wear a helmet too.

Riding with younger children

Children under 12 cannot ride an e-bike on roads, paths or public places. On signed mountain bike trails there is no minimum age under these rules, so the limit there is bike sizing and ability.

Three options for younger children elsewhere:

As a passenger on a bike built to carry one, wearing a helmet, within the seat’s rated weight.
In a child trailer, where the rider is 16 or over and the child is under 10 and helmeted.
On a conventional non-electric bicycle, which these rules do not cover at all, at any age.

Coaching sessions

Where a coaching session runs on a signed mountain bike trail, the licence and minimum age requirements do not apply. Where a session uses non-electric bikes, they do not apply either.

Where a session does take place on roads, paths or public places using e-bikes, a rider aged 12 to 17 must be supervised by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian. A coach cannot take that role.

Hire, licences and declarations

You declare the age and licence status of each rider at the time of hire. That declaration is how we meet our obligations, and it is the method the legislation provides for. You are responsible for riding within the rules for wherever you choose to ride.

I did not bring my licence with me. Can I still hire?
That is fine. The requirement in the legislation is that you hold a current drivers licence, and you declare that you hold one when you hire. A current licence is one that has not expired, has not been cancelled or suspended, and where you are not disqualified from holding one. Where a declaration seems unreasonable to rely on, we may ask for evidence of age or licence before equipment is released.

Do you check ID?
The age and licence requirements are real and we apply them. The normal way we meet them is your declaration at the time of hire. Where a declaration seems unreasonable to rely on, we may ask for evidence of age or licence. Where eligibility cannot be established, we will not release the equipment.

Why do you ask me to declare my licence and age?
Because we are required to take reasonable steps to make sure every rider meets the legal requirements, and your declaration is how we do that. It also means we can tell you before you pay if a hire will not work for your group.

What if I do not hold a licence at all?
You can still ride on signed mountain bike trails, signed rail trails and commercial bike parks, where the licence requirement does not apply. Tell us at the time of hire that this is where you intend to ride and we will talk through the options.

I am not sure whether the route I have in mind is covered.
Ask us before you set off and we will tell you.

More information

For the latest official information, see the Queensland Government e-bike rules and the list of e-mobility riding areas.

Please note. This page is a plain-English summary of the Queensland rules as we understand them, and it is not legal advice. The rules change, and whether a particular place or situation is covered can depend on detail we do not have. If you are unsure, check the Queensland Government’s StreetSmarts e-bike guidance or contact Transport and Main Roads.