E-bikes under scrutiny after two kids die in two states
Andrew Stafford, Alex Mitchell and Robyn Wuth |
E-bike laws are set to be reformed after two primary school students were killed in separate accidents in different Australian states.
The Queensland government is expected to toughen legislation following an inquiry after an eight-year-old boy became the state’s latest e-bike casualty when he died on the Sunshine Coast.
He was killed after two e-bikes collided at Mountain Creek about 3.30pm on Thursday.
About 15 minutes later, a five-year-old girl on a scooter was killed in a collision with a ute outside a school in northwest Sydney.
The Queensland tragedy has potential implications for the future of e-bikes in the state, with a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety and use having just completed public hearings.
The parliamentary committee is required to table its report by March 30 2026.
Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg described it as a “complex issue”.
“We’ve seen rapid evolution of this technology very quickly, but I think it’s fair to say that governments at all levels need to do more to tackle this,” he said.
The minister was reeling from the Sunshine Coast accident in his electorate of Buderim – southeast Queensland’s second e-bike fatality in a month.
“My thoughts are with the family and the friends … I’ve got an eight-year-old son myself. I can only imagine what they’re going through right now,” he said.
Asked if stronger e-bike laws were needed sooner, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said she was working with the premier and Mr Mickelberg to “ensure we can do everything possible to toughen up the laws in this state”.
“That is exactly why there is a parliamentary inquiry into e-bikes in this state,” she said.
“Right now, my heart goes out to that family. This is an absolute tragedy.”
In Australia, the maximum speed e-scooters can be ridden at is 20-25km/h, depending on the jurisdiction.
In Queensland, people must be at least 16 to ride an e-bike but can ride under adult supervision from 12 to 15.
Queensland Police have yet to confirm whether the e-bikes involved in the Sunshine Coast crash were modified but believe both riders were wearing helmets.
The other rider was 15 and was not seriously injured, declining treatment from paramedics.
“Most police services around Queensland and the country are dealing with issues that are created by these high-powered e-bikes,” Chief Inspector Jason Overland said.
Modifications were being made to the devices faster than law enforcement could keep up, he said.
“Some have no pedal assistance at all. If it’s a pedal-assisted bike, that’s one thing – if it’s not, well then it’s a motorcycle.”
Meanwhile, in Sydney, floral tributes were being laid outside Rouse Hill Public School after the girl was tragically hit by a ute.
She was taken to Westmead Children’s Hospital in a critical condition, but later died.
The 43-year-old driver of the ute was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Police seized both the ute and the scooter for forensic examination and set up a crime scene.
AAP
