Are e-bikes and electric skateboards legal in Queensland? The 2026 rules explained

Queensland does allow both electric skateboards and e-bikes to be used in public. Whether yours is legal depends on the device itself, the rider's age and licence status, and how and where it is ridden. The rules have also changed significantly in 2026, with more changes coming on 31 August. If you ride in Queensland or are thinking about buying an Evolve board or the Project BMX, this article explains where things stand right now.

One thing to note before going further: road laws differ between Australian states and territories. This article covers Queensland only. If you ride in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia or elsewhere, you will need to check the rules that apply in your state.

Are electric skateboards legal in Queensland?

Queensland treats electric skateboards as personal mobility devices (PMDs). They can be used on public infrastructure, but only when the device, the rider and the riding behaviour all meet the applicable rules. Not every electric skateboard is automatically legal to ride in public, and that distinction matters.

Electric skateboards do not need to be registered in Queensland. You do, however, need to make sure your board meets the device requirements and that you ride it in the right places, at the right speeds, in the right way. The rules that came into effect on 1 July 2026 tightened several of those requirements. Source: qld.gov.au

Where can you ride an electric skateboard in Queensland?

From 1 July 2026, the permitted locations and speed limits for PMDs are as follows. On footpaths, the maximum speed is 12 km/h at all times, with fines ranging from $345 to $1,986 depending on how far over the limit you are. On shared paths, you must slow to 12 km/h when passing pedestrians, ride on the bike side of separated paths, and not exceed 25 km/h otherwise. On roads with a posted limit of 60 km/h or lower, PMDs can ride on the road or in bike lanes, with the same 25 km/h maximum applying.

Beyond speed and location, there are several other rules riders need to follow. You must wear an approved bicycle or motorbike helmet, properly fastened. Mobile phone use while riding is prohibited, even when stopped at lights or when the phone is switched off, unless it is mounted in a handlebar cradle. The fine for this is $1,295. Riders must also be under 0.05 BAC, carry no passengers, obey traffic signals, keep left and give way appropriately, and park without blocking paths, crossings or building access. Source: streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au

What is the new 25 km/h device limit, and does it affect Evolve boards?

From 1 July 2026, electric skateboards must be physically limited so they cannot travel faster than 25 km/h. This is a device requirement, not just a speed limit on how you ride. The device itself must be restricted. Riders have until 28 February 2027 to comply with this requirement. After that date, any device not locked to a maximum of 25 km/h risks fines and police seizure.

Evolve's current understanding is that the existing 25 km/h remote speed setting available on Evolve boards assists customers with current compliance requirements. This is Evolve's current understanding and not confirmed Queensland Government advice. Customers should verify their specific setup against the current Queensland requirements before riding.

Evolve is also developing a firmware compliance solution, and guidance on that will be provided to customers when it becomes available. No firmware update has been released at this point. If you are unsure how to limit your device, contact your retailer or manufacturer for advice. Source: streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au

Age and licensing requirements for electric skateboard riders

This is where the most significant change is still coming. From 1 July 2026 until 31 August 2026, riders must be 16 or older to ride unsupervised. Children aged 12 to 15 can ride under adult supervision only.

From 31 August 2026, the rules change again. Riders must be 16 or older and hold a valid driver licence at minimum Learner level, whether that is a Queensland licence or an interstate or overseas equivalent. Exemptions are being developed for riders with medical conditions or disabilities, for 12 to 17 year olds riding under adult supervision, and for riding in designated recreational areas. The full details of those exemptions have not yet been published and are expected closer to 31 August 2026.

Because the exemption details are still being finalised, it is worth checking the official Queensland Government pages for the most current position before that date arrives. Source: streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au

Are e-bikes legal in Queensland?

E-bikes are legal in Queensland, but only when they meet the published requirements. A road-legal Queensland e-bike must have a maximum continuous rated motor power of 250W. The motor must require the rider to pedal to engage above 6 km/h, which means throttle-only propulsion above that speed is not permitted. Motor assistance must also cut out at 25 km/h, though riders can pedal faster under their own power. The bike must carry EN 15194 compliance labelling, or be assessed and labelled under Queensland's new assurance scheme by 28 February 2027.

E-bikes that exceed 250W continuous rated power, provide motor assistance above 25 km/h, or allow throttle-only movement above 6 km/h are not legal for road use in Queensland. Source: streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au, qld.gov.au

Is the Project BMX road-legal in Queensland?

The Evolve Project BMX is available in a 250W, pedal-assist-only, no-throttle configuration. Based on Evolve's current understanding, this configuration is compliant with Queensland's published requirements for a road-legal e-bike. This is Evolve's current understanding and not confirmed Queensland Government advice. Customers should verify their specific device against the current Queensland requirements before riding on public roads.

From 31 August 2026, Project BMX riders in Queensland will also need to meet the age and licensing requirements described above, in the same way as electric skateboard riders.

The Project BMX is also available in a higher-powered 500W configuration, which is intended for private property use. That configuration is not road-legal in Queensland under the published rules.

Can you software-lock a higher-powered e-bike to make it road-legal?

No. Queensland's official guidance is clear on this point. After-market conversions and software-locked motors above 250W continuous rated power do not meet the published requirements. A device certified or sold at a higher power rating does not become road-legal in Queensland by being software-limited to 250W at the point of purchase or use.

If you own a Project BMX and have a specific question about which configuration applies to your situation, contact Evolve's technical team directly. Do not assume that any modification or software lock makes a non-compliant device road-legal. Source: qld.gov.au

Riding in Queensland: the practical picture

For most riders in Brisbane, the Gold Coast or anywhere along Queensland's dense network of sealed shared paths, the 2026 rules do not make riding impossible. They do make it more structured. Speed limits on footpaths are strict, the licensing requirement from August is a genuine change, and the device-limiting deadline gives owners a clear window to get compliant.

If you are already riding an Evolve electric skateboard, the most practical immediate step is to use the 25 km/h speed setting on the remote and check the official Queensland Government guidance for updates on both the firmware requirement and the August licensing changes. If you are considering the Project BMX in a road-legal configuration, it is worth reading the current Queensland e-bike requirements in full before you buy.

The rules are evolving, and the Queensland Government is expected to publish further detail as the August 2026 changes come into effect. Staying across the official sources is the most reliable way to stay on the right side of the law.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Queensland's e-mobility laws and exemption details are subject to change. Always check the current official guidance at qld.gov.au and streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au before riding. If you have questions about your specific device or situation, speak with a legal professional or contact the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Last reviewed: 27 July 2026