Queensland’s workers’ compensation system has experienced a marked increase in claims linked to e-scooter and e-bike incidents over the past five years, according to newly released data from WorkCover Queensland.
From mid-2020 through mid-2025, the agency processed 1,321 claims associated with injuries involving these personal mobility devices, with total payouts exceeding $25.5 million.
The majority of claims involved e-scooter users, and the annual number of claims has shown consistent growth.
In the most recent 12-month period ending June 2025, 388 claims were lodged, up from 107 in the 2020-21 financial year.
WorkCover Queensland, which provides insurance coverage for approximately 170,000 employers across the state, reported that claim costs have also risen, with $8.4 million paid out in 2023-24 alone.
For the current financial year, $4.4 million has already been disbursed.
WorkCover Queensland’s submission to a parliamentary inquiry into e-scooter safety revealed that two claims over the period involved fatalities, while five others related to severe injuries such as traumatic brain and spinal damage. All of these serious or fatal cases were attributed to e-scooter incidents.
Of the total claims, over 1,000 were filed by individuals injured while riding e-scooters, and nearly 200 involved e-bike riders.
An additional 88 claims were linked to incidents where workers were either struck by these devices or experienced psychological trauma from witnessing an event involving an e-scooter or e-bike.
Most injuries occurred during commutes to, from, or for work, accounting for more than 80% of claims.
A further 171 claims were related to injuries sustained during work hours, and 28 claims were associated with incidents occurring during work breaks.
Ben Wilcock, general manager at Shine Lawyers, noted an uptick in enquiries related to e-scooter and e-bike injuries.
“We’re seeing increasing volumes of enquiries for people either injured on e-scooters or e-bikes or injured by those devices as pedestrians,” he said, as reported by ABC.
Wilcock said that workers’ compensation generally covers employees injured while using these devices as part of their job, during commutes, or even while on break.
“If you’re on your morning tea break and you walk out to get a coffee and you’re collected by an e-scooter, you still can claim workers’ compensation benefits,” he said.
However, Wilcock also highlighted that certain exclusions apply, particularly for journey claims.
Claims may be denied if drugs or alcohol are involved, or if there is a significant deviation or delay in the journey.
A parliamentary committee is currently reviewing e-scooter safety and is expected to present its findings by March 2026.
The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has recommended stronger enforcement measures and expanded regulatory oversight for e-scooters and similar devices.
In a submission to a state parliamentary inquiry in June 2025, RACQ urged the government to empower law enforcement to seize non-compliant e-scooters and e-bikes, particularly those that exceed the 25km/h speed limit or lack proper registration.
Under current regulations, such devices are classified as unregistered motorcycles and are not permitted on public infrastructure.
RACQ advocacy general manager Joshua Cooney stated that while e-mobility devices address a transport need, the presence of non-compliant models has introduced new safety and legal risks.
“We’re calling on the state government to use existing laws to impound these illegal and dangerous devices and remove them from our roads and pathways. These devices greatly increase the risk of severe injury or death,” he said.
The organisation also proposed regulatory amendments requiring full-face helmets for e-scooter riders and encouraged the adoption of seated, more stable e-scooter models in shared mobility schemes.
RACQ’s internal survey found that about 74% of users believe full-face helmets offer greater protection.
To support compliance, RACQ recommended the deployment of artificial intelligence-powered camera systems to detect traffic violations by hire e-scooters in high-traffic areas.
The motoring group also advocated for targeted educational campaigns directed at both riders and parents, aiming to improve understanding of traffic rules and promote safer use.
RACQ Insurance recorded a 22% increase in claims involving cyclists and e-mobility devices between March 2024 and February 2025, with 186 incidents reported.
In 2024, Queensland emergency departments treated over 1,500 people for e-scooter-related injuries, a rise from the previous year. There were eight recorded fatalities involving personal mobility devices during the same period.
