Parliamentary Inquiry Calls for Safer E-mobility in Queensland

Safer E-mobility in Queensland – Parliamentary Inquiry report backs stronger protections for pedestrians and shared-path users

Council on the Ageing Queensland (COTA Queensland) welcomes the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee’s final report into e-mobility safety and use in Queensland, which recommends a stronger, coordinated approach to improving safety for everyone who walks, rolls or rides in shared public spaces.

COTA Queensland CEO, Darren Young, states:

“Older Queenslanders have told us they want to feel safe and confident when they move around their communities, whether they are walking to the shops, using a mobility aid, or enjoying shared green and community spaces. These recommendations recognise that safety and accessibility must come first if our streets, footpaths and shared pathways are to work well for everyone. Clearer rules, better infrastructure and stronger education will help ensure e-mobility grows in a way that supports age-friendly communities and helps people stay active, independent and connected.”

COTA Queensland particularly welcomes recommendations to:

• improve incident data collection and sharing knowledge to better target safety reforms (Recommendation 3)
• embed e-mobility into transport planning and invest in connected, separated pathway networks (Recommendation 4)
• reduce footpath speeds for e-mobility devices to a maximum of 10km/h (Recommendation 14)
• strengthen education, including a wide-ranging community campaign and guidance to support schools (Recommendations 27 – 28)
• improve enforcement to address illegal devices and dangerous behaviour (Recommendations 22 – 26).

The Committee noted COTA Queensland’s evidence on how e-mobility and shared path contexts can impact community confidence, including safety concerns on footpaths and around schools and the need for improved rider training and awareness.

COTA Queensland looks forward to the Queensland Government’s response to the Committee’s recommendations and to working constructively to ensure the reforms improve safety and accessibility in shared public spaces.