Under proposed legislation currently being reviewed by the Queensland Parliament, all individuals operating e-bikes and e-scooters will be required to possess a learner’s license and be at least 16 years old. This initiative has drawn criticism from Uber, which has cautioned that these changes could significantly affect delivery riders and has urged the state government to reconsider the licensing requirements.
A representative from the transport minister’s office stated that a parliamentary committee will evaluate all feedback prior to the bill being discussed in the assembly. Uber Eats has voiced its opposition to the Queensland government’s intent to enforce licensing for users of e-mobility devices.
The proposed regulations would necessitate that all riders obtain a learner’s license, which has raised concerns about excluding many delivery personnel who depend on e-bikes but lack a motor vehicle license. According to a submission made by Uber to a parliamentary inquiry regarding these changes, 89% of its delivery personnel registered with international passports, and a significant number of these individuals could not provide an overseas license during the onboarding process.
Uber warned that a decline in the availability of delivery partners could pose considerable operational challenges for nearly 10,000 businesses across Queensland that rely on its services to connect with customers. The company indicated that reduced delivery personnel would lead to increased wait times for order fulfillment, negatively impacting reliability and customer satisfaction.
The company also highlighted the financial and administrative burdens these changes would impose on delivery riders, noting that the cost of obtaining a three-year learner’s license is $77.55, along with an additional $28.70 for the PrepL course, totaling $106.25. Uber remarked that such costs could serve as a substantial obstacle for individuals looking for flexible or supplementary income, especially during times of rising living costs.
Another delivery service, DoorDash, expressed similar concerns regarding the licensing rules and associated fees, stating that these costs could deter participation from riders who work limited hours or rely on delivery for supplementary income, all without providing significant safety improvements.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has also raised alarms about how these regulations might affect international tourists, many of whom may not hold a valid license for operating e-bikes and e-scooters. QTIC noted that key inbound markets, particularly from Asia and Europe, exhibit lower rates of license ownership among younger travelers, indicating that the licensing requirement would exclude a notable portion of visitors in popular tourist areas.
While the government has indicated that its regulations allow for interstate and overseas license holders to operate e-mobility devices, thereby mitigating potential negative impacts on tourism, concerns remain. Brisbane City Council, the largest local government in the state, has also voiced opposition, arguing that the changes could disincentivize young riders and present practical challenges in enforcement.
The council emphasized the importance of promoting cycling and walking in urban environments with established road networks, noting that active transport is a critical means of utilizing public space effectively and managing congestion.
The City of Gold Coast criticized the proposed age requirement of 16, suggesting that a minimum age of 12 would be more appropriate, aligning with the transition to secondary school when independent commuting typically begins. Additionally, the Gold Coast council has condemned the suggested speed limit of 10 kilometers per hour for e-bikes and e-scooters on footpaths, arguing that such a limit is impractical and could discourage e-bike usage as a viable alternative to cars.
Currently, there is no speed limit for e-bikes on footpaths, while a limit of 12 kilometers per hour applies to personal mobility devices. A spokesperson for Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg stated that the government is making difficult decisions to implement leading-edge reforms. With the bill under committee review, Queenslanders have another chance to provide input regarding its potential impact before it is debated in Parliament.
The proposed reforms will also empower police to conduct random breath tests on riders.
