Fatal e-scooter crash as state crackdown ramps up

Robyn Wuth | July 16, 2026

A man has died after an e-scooter and an electric skateboard collided on a Queensland bike path as authorities ramp up a crackdown on dangerous e-riders.

The devices crashed about 7pm on Wednesday along the Boat Harbour Drive bike corridor at Urangan, in the Hervey Bay region.

The e-scooter rider, a 39-year-old man from Scarness, died at the scene.

The 30-year-old electric skateboard rider, from Urangan, was taken to Hervey Bay Hospital with serious injuries.

The tragedy comes as Queensland rolls out what the Crisafulli Government calls the toughest e-mobility laws in the nation, giving police greater powers to target illegal and reckless riding.

Since the reforms came into force, police have seized 103 illegal e-mobility devices and issued 420 traffic infringement notices to riders across the state.

The laws target dangerous riding behaviour, speeding, drink-riding, helmet offences and illegal high-powered devices, and allow officers to seize and destroy unlawful machines as well as conduct random breath tests on riders.

Police Minister Dan Purdie said there was no excuse for riders who ignored the rules.

“The free ride is over – if you’re riding an illegal e-bike or e-scooter, putting pedestrians at risk or treating public spaces like your own racetrack, expect to be caught,” he said.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the reforms struck a balance between supporting responsible riders and cracking down on those “doing the wrong thing”.

Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said Operation Surety was focused on detecting, intercepting and deterring dangerous riding behaviour.

“It is disappointing to see more than 400 riders charged for reckless behaviours in just under two weeks,” he said, adding officers would continue daily patrols to keep public spaces safe.