The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) and the Toowoomba Regional Bicycle Users Group (TRBUG) are calling on the Queensland Government to urgently reconsider proposed changes that would require people riding low-powered e-bikes (under 25km/h) to hold a driver’s licence.
While both organisations support sensible regulation of high-powered electric motorbikes and scooters, they warn the current proposal risks unfairly penalising young people, people with disabilities, and those seeking affordable transport alternatives.
Support for Targeting High-Powered Devices
DDEC and TRBUG acknowledge and support the government’s intent to improve safety by restricting high-powered e-motorbikes and illegal devices.
“There is a clear and legitimate need to regulate high-powered bikes that behave more like motorcycles than bicycles,” a spokesperson said.
“Requiring registration and licensing for these devices is a common-sense step that improves safety for all road users.”
But Low-Powered E-bikes Are Not the Problem
However, the organisations say extending licensing requirements to standard pedal-assist e-bikes—limited to 25km/h—represents a disproportionate and poorly targeted response.
“These bikes are already widely used safely by everyday Queenslanders. They are fundamentally bicycles with assistance, not motor vehicles.”
Impact on Young People and Future Mobility
The proposed requirement for a driver’s licence would effectively exclude many young people from using e-bikes as a safe and independent transport option.
“This is a major step backwards,” TRBUG said.
“Young people rely on e-bikes to get to school, work, and social activities—particularly in regional areas where public transport is limited or non-existent.”
The organisations argue that instead of encouraging safe, active transport habits, the proposal risks increasing car dependence from an early age.
Disproportionate Impact on People with Disabilities
DDEC and TRBUG also echo concerns raised by disability advocates that linking e-bike access to medical fitness to drive is fundamentally flawed.
“Being medically unfit to drive does not automatically mean someone is unable to safely ride a low-speed e-bike,” DDEC said.
“For many people with disabilities, e-bikes provide independence, mobility, and participation in community life—often where other transport options fail.”
Cost of Living and Transport Equity
With fuel prices continuing to rise, the organisations stress that e-bikes are a critical part of a more affordable transport system.
“In a cost-of-living crisis, we should be expanding access to cheap, efficient transport—not restricting it.”
E-bikes offer:
- Low operating costs compared to cars
- Reduced household transport expenses
- Health benefits through active travel
- Lower emissions and congestion
Call for a Balanced, Evidence-Based Approach
DDEC and TRBUG are calling for a more nuanced regulatory framework that:
- Maintains access to low-powered (≤25km/h) pedal-assist e-bikes without licensing requirements
- Targets enforcement toward high-powered and illegal devices
- Introduces age-appropriate rules for young riders rather than blanket licence requirements
- Consults meaningfully with disability communities and regional users
“Don’t Solve the Wrong Problem”
“This proposal risks solving the wrong problem,” the groups said.
“The real issue is unsafe, high-powered devices—not everyday people using low-powered e-bikes to get to work, school, or the shops.”
“We urge the Queensland Government to work with communities to get this right—because the future of transport must be accessible, affordable, and inclusive.”
Media Contact:
Darling Downs Environment Council
Toowoomba Regional Bicycle Users Group
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