Queensland
 Electric Scooter Public-Use Laws

Important Information for Parents and Guardians

Title

Last updated: 6th of February 2026

important legal notice – please read

Purpose of this information

Overview of the Queensland Legal Position

What is a “low powered toy scooter” in Queensland?

Children under 12 years of age

Children aged 12 to 15 years

Use in public places

Official Queensland legislation

Key takeaway for Queensland parents

purpose of this information

This information is provided to explain the Queensland laws that apply to the use of electric scooters by children in public places, and to place parents and guardians on formal notice of those laws.


Queensland law regulates where, how, and by whom electric scooters may be used in public areas.Some electric scooters designed for children are capable of travelling at speeds that exceed what Queensland law permits for public use.


Parents and guardians are encouraged to read this information carefully and to check the linked legislation or seek independent advice if required.

overview of the queensland legal position

Queensland law draws a strict distinction between:

  •  very low-powered “toy” electric scooters, and
  • other electric scooters, which are regulated more strictly.


If an electric scooter can exceed 10 km/h when propelled by the motor, it is not treated as a toy under Queensland law and cannot lawfully be used by children in public places, regardless of supervision or safety features.

what is a “low powered toy scooter” in queensland?

Under Queensland legislation, an electric scooter is a low powered toy scooter only if all of the following apply:

  • it is propelled by one or more electric motors; and
  • the maximum motor output is not more than 200 watts; and
  • when propelled only by the motor, the scooter cannot exceed 10 km/h on level ground; and
  • the manufacturer certifies the ungoverned power output of the motor (for example, by a plate or engraving on the motor).

If any of these requirements are not met, the scooter is not a low powered toy scooter under Queensland law.

children under 12 years of age

Children under 12 may only use an electric scooter in public places if the scooter is a low powered toy scooter (as defined above).
If the scooter:

 

  • exceeds 200 watts, or
  • can travel faster than 10 km/h,

it cannot lawfully be used in public places by children under 12.


Children under 12 are not permitted to ride electric scooters on roads.

children aged 12 to 15 years

Children aged 12–15 may:

  • use a low powered toy scooter in public places; or
  • use higher-powered electric scooters only where permitted under Queensland law, with adult supervision, and subject to all applicable road rules.

Adult supervision requires an adult to be present and supervising the child. It is not sufficient for an adult to be nearby or available by phone.


Children aged 12–15 are not permitted to ride electric scooters on roads.

use in public places

For the purposes of Queensland law, public places include (but are not limited to):
 

  • footpaths;
  • shared paths and bicycle paths;
  • roads;
  • parks; and
  • other areas open to the public.


If an electric scooter does not meet Queensland’s legal requirements, it must not be used in public places by children.

use on private property

✅ Permitted


Queensland road and transport laws do not apply to private property.


Electric scooters may be used on private property, such as:
 

  • at home;
  • in a backyard;
  • on private land; or
  • in other areas not open to the public.

official queensland legislation

Parents and guardians may verify the legal position by referring to the following Queensland Government legislation:

Key takeaway for Queensland parents

In Queensland, children may only ride electric scooters in public places if the scooter is a verylow-powered “toy” scooter that cannot exceed 10 km/h. If a scooter can travel faster than this, it cannot lawfully be used by children in public areas, regardless of supervision. Electric scooters may be used on private property.

This information is general in nature. If you are unsure how the law applies to your circumstances, you should seek independent legal advice.