Premier David Crisafulli promises e-bike crackdown, but not before Christmas

“We owe it to families, we owe it to people who just want to do their jobs and be safe.”

The state will work with federal officials to limit imports of overpowered or unsafe vehicles, he added.

In Australia, the maximum speed at which e-scooters can be operated is 20-25 km/h depending on jurisdiction.

In Queensland, people must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike, but ages 12 to 15 can ride with adult supervision.

Queensland Police have not yet confirmed whether the e-bikes involved in the Sunshine Coast crash were modified but believe both riders were wearing helmets.

“Many police forces in Queensland and across the country are dealing with the issues created by these high-powered e-bikes,” Chief Inspector Jason Overland said.

He said changes were being made to devices too quickly for law enforcement to keep up.

“Some have no pedal assist at all. If it’s a bike with pedal assist, that’s one thing; if not, then it’s a motorcycle.”

Meanwhile, a five-year-old girl riding a scooter outside Rouse Hill Public School in Sydney’s northwest on Thursday afternoon was killed when she crashed into a car, just 15 minutes after an eight-year-old boy was killed on the Sunshine Coast.

The little girl, who was in a critical condition, was taken to Westmead Children’s Hospital but later died.

The 43-year-old driver of the ute was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Police examined the scene, seizing both the ute and scooter for forensic examination.

from AAP

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