Sydney, March 24: In a significant move, Queensland, Australia, has announced a ban on children under 16 from operating electric mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters. This decision was revealed on Tuesday as part of new safety legislation.
The state government confirmed that it has accepted all 28 recommendations from a parliamentary committee focused on e-mobility safety, which includes the age restriction.
Queensland’s Transport Minister, Brent Mickelberg, stated that the government will soon present these recommendations to Parliament for legal enactment.
According to the new regulations, a learner driving license will be mandatory for operating e-bikes and e-scooters. This license is issued at the age of 16, ensuring that users are knowledgeable about traffic rules.
An investigation revealed that in 2025, there were 12 fatalities and 6,300 injuries related to e-mobility incidents in Queensland.
Mickelberg emphasized the importance of child safety, saying, “We are prohibiting the use of these devices for those under 16 because the safety of children is our top priority.”
According to a report by the Xinhua news agency, the new laws will also impose a speed limit of 10 kilometers per hour for e-mobility devices on sidewalks. Additionally, police will be granted enhanced powers to confiscate and destroy illegal devices, and they will be able to conduct random breath tests on operators.
Last year, Australia implemented the world’s first ban on social media accounts for children under 16. This regulation prevents major platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X from allowing such accounts.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that this initiative aims to support children growing up amid algorithms and the pressures of continuous social media feeds. He also urged students to make the most of their holidays and not spend all their time on mobile devices.
Australia’s decision has garnered interest from several countries, including Denmark, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, and New Zealand, which are considering similar measures.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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