Rules for selling e-mobility devices
From 1 July 2026, new laws apply to the sale of e-mobility devices and off-road motorbikes in Queensland. It is illegal to sell to anyone under 16 years old. This includes private and commercial sales.
E-mobility devices include:
- e-bikes
- e-scooters
- e-skateboards
- e-unicycles
- Segways
Off-road motorbikes include electric and petrol-powered motorbikes that cannot be registered and are solely for off-road use. This includes non-compliant e-bikes that have high-power and high-speed motors.
On this page
Private sales
If you are selling an e-mobility device or off-road motorbike privately, including through social media, online marketplaces or classified advertisements, you must take reasonable steps to make sure the buyer is at least 16 years old.
If the buyer appears to be under 16, ask for proof of age before completing the sale.
You may be fined up to $2,417 for selling an e-mobility device or off-road motorbike to a child under 16 years of age.
Commercial sales
The age restriction applies to all sales of e-mobility devices and off-road motorbikes to people in Queensland, regardless of where the seller is located. This includes:
- sales from Queensland retailers
- sales by interstate retailers to customers in Queensland
- online sales to customers in Queensland
Before selling an e-mobility device, you must:
- ask the customer for proof of age
- take reasonable steps to verify the customer is 16 or older
- make sure employees understand these obligations
- display signs so customers know about the new laws
The Queensland Government will take an education-first approach to enforcement. However, fines of up to $2,417 may apply, with higher penalties for repeat offences.
Displaying signs for customers
If you sell e-mobility devices or off-road motorbikes to customers in Queensland, you must display signs advising that it is illegal to sell to a person under 16 years old.
This requirement applies to both physical stores and online sales platforms.
You can display signs:
- near e-mobility devices in store
- at the retail counter
- on online product listings
- at online checkout.
You can use signage provided by the Queensland Government or create your own. Your sign must clearly explain that e-mobility devices cannot be sold to anyone under 16 years old.
More signage and resources are being developed in consultation with industry and will be made available as soon as possible.
Product requirements for new devices
E-mobility devices manufactured after 1 July 2026 must meet new product requirements before they can be sold for public use.
E-bikes
E-bikes manufactured after 1 July 2026 must:
- meet the European standard EN 15194
- be permanently labelled as meeting this standard
Legal e-bikes in Queensland must not exceed:
- 250 watts of maximum continuous rated power
- 25km/h motor assistance
- 6km/h throttle-only control.
Non-standard e-bikes designed or modified for riders with a disability or medical condition, such as e-trikes, can continue to be sold.
The Queensland Government is currently creating an industry assurance scheme to check and label certain e-bikes that are safe but don't meet EN 15194. More information about the scheme will be available before 1 October 2026.
E-scooters and other personal mobility devices
E-scooters, e-skateboards, e-unicycles and Segways manufactured after 1 July 2026 must:
- be no more than 1,350mm high
- be no more than 750mm wide
- be no more than 1,100mm long, measured between the axles
- weigh no more than 60kg without a rider
- be limited to 25km/h by software or hardware.
Off-road motorbikes for private property use
Some powered vehicles may look like e-bikes but do not meet Queensland's legal e-bike requirements. This includes high-powered electric bikes and petrol-powered off-road motorbikes designed for private property use.
These vehicles cannot be legally used on roads, footpaths, shared paths or other public areas unless they are approved and registered for road use.
Retailer obligations
Retailers may sell these vehicles to people aged 16 years or older, but must not mislead customers about where they can be used.
Customers should be clearly informed that these vehicles are intended for private property or approved off-road use only.
Making false or misleading claims about a product may breach the Australian Consumer Law and attract significant penalties, including fines of up to $50 million for corporations.
Learn more about your obligations and how to avoid misleading customers about products or services.
Tips for buyers
Sellers may ask you to show proof of age when buying an e-mobility device. This helps them check that you are 16 or older.
Before buying an e-mobility device, make sure you understand where it can be legally used. Some devices that are sold as e-bikes do not meet Queensland's legal e-bike requirements and may only be used on private property.
Look for compliance labels, such as EN 15194, and information provided by the manufacturer. Legal e-bikes should have labels showing key specifications, such as motor power and speed assistance limits. If you cannot find this information, ask the seller before purchasing.
If you're unsure, ask the seller whether the device can be legally used on roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle paths in Queensland.
Using a non-compliant e-bike, e-motorbike or off-road motorbike in public places may result in fines and other penalties.
Learn about the laws for e-bikes and personal mobility devices.