The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has called for tougher enforcement and expanded regulatory oversight of e-scooters and similar personal mobility devices, citing a rise in injuries and insurance claims.
The recommendations come as part of RACQ’s formal submission to a Queensland parliamentary inquiry reviewing e-mobility safety standards.
RACQ is urging the state government to allow law enforcement agencies to seize non-compliant e-scooters and e-bikes, particularly those exceeding the 25km/h speed cap or lacking proper registration.
Under Queensland law, such devices are considered unregistered motorcycles and are not permitted on public roads or paths.
Joshua Cooney, RACQ’s general manager of advocacy, said that while e-mobility devices serve a transport need, the presence of illegally operated models has created significant safety and legal challenges.
“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 submission also advocates for regulatory amendments mandating full-face helmets for e-scooter riders and encouraging a shift in shared mobility schemes toward seated, more stable e-scooter models.
Internal RACQ survey data indicated that a majority of users – approximately 74% – recognise the enhanced protection offered by full-face helmets.
Cooney said this support provides a mandate for legislative change.
“We have the data, experience, and public appetite. Now, we need the cooperation and will from all stakeholders to build a system that works for all road users,” he said.
To improve enforcement in high-traffic zones, RACQ is also recommending the rollout of artificial intelligence-driven camera systems capable of identifying traffic violations by hire e-scooters. This technology could play a role in tracking unauthorised use and supporting more efficient compliance operations.
Additionally, RACQ is calling for targeted education campaigns focused on both riders and parents of young users. These initiatives aim to increase knowledge of existing traffic rules and promote responsible use.
Between March 2024 and February 2025, RACQ Insurance recorded a 22% rise in claims involving cyclists and e-mobility devices, totalling 186 incidents.
Most cases occurred in tourist-heavy corridors such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Townsville, with peak claim times aligning with school pickups and evening commutes. Reduced visibility and fatigue were identified as contributing risk factors.
Separately, Queensland emergency departments treated more than 1,500 individuals for injuries related to e-scooter use in 2024 alone – up from the prior year – with eight fatalities recorded from personal mobility incidents.
The rise in injuries and claims associated with e-mobility devices underscores growing exposure for motor and liability insurers.
If adopted, RACQ’s proposed safety standards could influence underwriting practices, especially around personal accident and public liability coverage.
The use of AI enforcement tools may also present data-sharing opportunities for insurers assessing behavioural risks and fraud prevention.
