A potential ban on e-scooters and e-bikes is under consideration in Queensland, as the state’s transport minister, Brent Mickelberg, acknowledges growing community concerns. In a recent interview with the ABC, Mickelberg expressed doubts about the current regulatory framework’s effectiveness in meeting public expectations, leaving the door open for a complete prohibition on these e-mobility devices.
“I’m prepared to look at any solutions that are going to address safety,” Mickelberg stated. “The reality is they do have benefit in our community, but there’s also situations right now where the risk does not justify their use.”
This development follows the announcement of a state government inquiry into e-mobility safety and usage in Queensland, launched in May, with a final report expected by March next year. The inquiry has already received over 1,200 submissions, including significant input from the Queensland Fire Department (QFD).
Fires and Fatalities: A Growing Concern
The QFD’s submission highlighted severe concerns over fires caused by e-devices, citing numerous “fatalities, serious injuries, and complete loss of structures.” Since 2022, the QFD suspects that four fatal fires were ignited by e-scooters. Lithium-ion batteries, a common component in these devices, have been linked to 236 fires between July 2024 and June 2025, making e-mobility devices the largest single cause of battery-related blazes.
“When it does go wrong, the event is violent — they just go off like a cracker,” said Belinda Jones, a forensic fire investigator with over 20 years of experience.
Jones explained that lithium-ion battery fires are triggered by a chain reaction within the battery cells, known as thermal runaway. This can occur due to various factors, including physical damage, exposure to heat or water, or improper charging.
Regulatory Challenges and Law Enforcement
According to Mickelberg, the risk of fire is just one of several concerns. The number of accidents and injuries involving e-devices is also rising, with eight fatalities reported last year in Queensland alone. Mickelberg noted that police officers face challenges in enforcing current regulations, particularly due to the complexities involved in handling and storing seized devices.
“[Officers are] reluctant, for example, to seize the device off someone who might be doing the wrong thing, even if it is illegal,” Mickelberg said. “That’s because of the storage and disposal of the batteries associated with these e-mobility devices.”
However, a spokesperson from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) stated that e-mobility devices are regularly seized and stored securely.
Future of E-Mobility in Queensland
The inquiry’s findings, expected next year, could lead to significant changes in the regulatory landscape. Mickelberg has suggested that more than a “minor tweaking” of the rules will be necessary to address safety concerns, including fire risks.
As the popularity of e-devices continues to grow, so does the urgency for effective regulation. The inquiry will explore various aspects of e-mobility, including age restrictions and the empowerment of law enforcement to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Meanwhile, the debate over the future of e-scooters and e-bikes in Queensland continues, with stakeholders from various sectors eagerly awaiting the inquiry’s recommendations. Whether a total ban will be implemented remains uncertain, but the focus on safety and community expectations is clear.
