The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) welcomes the recommendations of the Queensland Government’s inquiry into e-mobility safety and use, noting the substantial impact e mobility–related injuries continue to have on both individuals and the wider health system.
Trauma surgeons across Queensland, as well as throughout Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, have seen firsthand the preventable injuries caused by unsafe e mobility device use, inadequate regulation, and limited public awareness.
RACS commends the inquiry’s comprehensive approach to improving safety in Queensland, including:
- Strengthening safety through a coordinated multi agency framework that integrates regulation, enforcement, public education, and infrastructure improvements.
- Improving data collection and integrating e mobility into broader transport planning, including investment in separated paths and dedicated parking facilities.
- Introducing national lithium-ion battery safety standards, improving disposal pathways, and expanding community education to reduce the risk of battery related fires and injuries.
- Tightening device regulation by aligning standards with EN15194, strengthening import controls, and classifying devices capable of speeds over 25 km/h as motorcycles requiring licensing, registration, CTP insurance, and restricted roadway use.
- Setting a minimum riding age of 16 and requiring a Class C learner licence (PrepL) for riders of personal mobility devices and e bikes, while exempting disability mobility devices.
- Reducing footpath speed limits to 10 km/h, introducing penalties for unsafe riding near pedestrians, and empowering local councils to set lower limits in high traffic areas.
- Regulating retail practices by mandating safety compliant devices, banning modification kits that increase speed or power, and requiring clear safety and legal information at the point of sale.
- Strengthening enforcement powers, including the ability for police to seize and destroy illegal devices on the first offence and extending penalty responsibility to parents of underage riders.
- Delivering a statewide public education campaign, alongside school-based resources that support safe riding behaviour among young people.
Quote attributed to Professor Owen Ung, RACS President
“As a College, we recognise that e-mobility devices are now a common feature of modern transport, and with this comes a need for clear, consistent safety standards. The findings of the Queensland Government inquiry align with what our members are observing across trauma and emergency services. The recommendations set out a practical and evidence informed pathway to reducing preventable injuries. We support their implementation in Queensland and encourage consideration of similar measures nationally. These reforms represent a crucial step toward reducing preventable injuries and improving community safety. RACS urges other states and territories to consider similar action and ensure national consistency in the regulation and safe use of e-mobility devices.”
Quote attributed to Dr Matthew Hope, RACS Trauma Committee Chair
“As clinicians working at the frontline of trauma care, we see firsthand the devastating and preventable injuries caused by unsafe use of e-mobility devices. Many of our surgeons and Trauma Committee members have been advocating for stronger safeguards for years. This inquiry provides the evidence-based reforms needed to reduce harm, and we strongly support the implementation of these measures in Queensland and across all jurisdictions.”
RACS encourages governments across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to adopt the findings of Queensland’s Government’s inquiry into e mobility safety inquiry as a foundation for urgently needed national reform. Consistent, evidence-based regulation is essential to reducing preventable injuries, easing pressure on hospital systems, and ensuring the safe integration of e mobility devices into modern transport networks. The Queensland Government inquiry provides a clear path forward, now is the time for coordinated action.
Media contacts for more information:
Claire Aldham
Marketing Specialist
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Email: [email protected]