The State Government has changed legislation to allow electric scooters and other electric motorised devices to be legally and responsibly used in Queensland. They are known in legislation as Personal Mobility Devices (PMD).
These laws came into effect on 14 December 2018, and we wanted to let you know of the changes given the trial of Lime scooters and Christmas possibly having more of these types of vehicles being given as presents and subsequently used.
The legislation requires PMD to meet certain specifications around dimensions, mass and speed, as well as appropriate braking and no sharp protrusions.
Critical to the introduction of these laws is safety and ensuring that existing road and path users are not adversely impacted. A range of conditions / road rules will also place obligations on users to act in a safe and respectful manner when interacting with pedestrians or in riding generally. This includes giving way on paths and crossings, riding at a safe speed and providing a sufficient distance so as not to collide with a pedestrian.
Attached is an Enforcement Factsheet for PMD provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads that reflects the laws now in place. Some general information on “Rules for Personalised Mobility Devices†has been placed on the Queensland Government website –https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/personal-mobility-devices.
Police will be paying attention to these devices to ensure safety of all road users and infringement notices will be issued where appropriate.
Submitted by:
Tony Rehn
Crime Prevention Officer
Darling Downs District
Queensland Police Service
Ph 07 4631 6733 Fax 07 4615 3200
QPS website: www.police.qld.gov.au
