Police across Queensland have seized 558 non-compliant e-mobility devices and issued more than 2,400 traffic infringement notices riders in the first three months of statewide Operation Yankee Surety.
Since the operation commenced on 1 July, police have conducted targeted enforcement to seize non-compliant devices, ensure age and licencing requirements are adhered to, and deter dangerous riding behaviours such as speeding, drink riding and riding without a helmet.
Disappointingly, more than 60 per cent of the 2,400 fines issued - about 1,500 – were for riders failing to wear a helmet, while a further 157 riders were caught speeding.
During this same time period, police have conducted 878 roadside breath tests on e-mobility riders, resulting in 68 drink riders being intercepted.
Meanwhile, 64 tickets have been issued since the licensing restrictions came into effect on 31 August.
Emergency Response and Coordination Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Partrige said as the operation enters its fourth month, police will continue to enforce the laws and educate riders to ensure safety on Queensland roads.
"As with any road safety operation, our goal under Operation Yankee Surety is to protect all road and pathway users, including those on e-mobility devices," Acting Assistant Commissioner Partrige said.
"In just three months of the new legislation being operationalised, police have issued more than 2,400 fines to riders not following the rules and continue to detect more dangerous riders every day.
"Electric power assisted cycles, e-scooter and other e-mobility devices are vehicles, and like any other vehicle, dangerous behaviours like speeding, drink riding or using non-compliant devices can have life-threatening consequences - not only for the rider.
"Non-compliant devices and dangerous riding have no place in our communities, and police will continue to take enforcement action against those disregarding the law.
Police will continue educating the community, engaging with riders and enforcing e-mobility laws under Operation Yankee Surety until 30 June 2027.
For more information about e-mobility laws and safety, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads. However, enforcement alone cannot stop all dangerous driving behaviours.
Every choice you make behind the wheel, matters. Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or while fatigued, or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life – and the lives of others – at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.
Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime.
Road safety starts with you.
