Laws will take effect from July giving Queensland police more power to crack down on illegal, high-powered e-mobility devices.

The changes come after more than 6000 injuries related to e-scooters were reported in emergency departments between 2022 and last year.

There were 12 deaths related to the vehicles in Queensland last year.

“Our reforms strike the right balance between making our streets safer from those who do the wrong thing, while backing those people who do the right thing,” Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said.

The changes include:

• Police powers to seize and destroy illegal devices and conduct random breath tests for riders in public places.
• E-bikes and scooters that can exceed 25km/h unassisted will be banned and 12km/h speed limits will apply near pedestrians.
• Higher penalties for speeding, failure to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding on prohibited roads.
• Licensing requirements for riders, with exemptions for medical conditions and disabilities.
• Ability for 12- to 17-year-olds to ride under parental supervision; parental accountability for children under 16 riding illegally.
• Riders above a 0.05% blood alcohol level will face maximum penalties of $6908.