E-scooter Crackdown in Brisbane: How Riders Can Lose Their Driver’s Licence

As e-scooter use surges in Brisbane, particularly in the crowded CBD, riders may not realise that misusing these devices could result in severe penalties, including losing their driver’s licence. 



With thousands of people now choosing e-scooters for quick transport through the city, authorities are cracking down on unsafe practices. Incidents like speeding, riding under the influence, and neglecting safety rules are being met with increasing legal consequences.

E-scooters have become a fixture of Brisbane’s streets and footpaths, especially in the CBD, where the number of users has rapidly grown. Riders zipping between pedestrians and cyclists are a common sight. However, this rise in popularity has brought with it a range of safety concerns. With many riders unaware that Queensland’s traffic laws apply to e-scooters just as they do to cars and motorbikes, local authorities are issuing stronger penalties for dangerous behaviour.

A Stark Example

One well-known example of the risks associated with e-scooter misuse is the case of Owen Bagi, who lost his driver’s licence for six months after being caught speeding on his e-scooter. Mr Bagi was filmed riding his Dragon Warrior X11 e-scooter—capable of reaching speeds of 100 km/h—without a helmet in September 2022, flying past a cyclist on a bikeway near the Western Freeway. 

At the time, Mr Bagi was on his way to work and later admitted in court to reaching speeds over 90 km/h, though he claimed he was travelling at 48 km/h when he passed the cyclist. The court charged him with the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, resulting in a six-month suspension of his driver’s licence. This significant penalty underscored how seriously authorities take e-scooter violations. 

Growing Safety and Congestion Concerns in Brisbane CBD

As the number of e-scooter riders increases in Brisbane’s CBD, public safety concerns are becoming more pronounced. Riders share footpaths and bike lanes with pedestrians and cyclists, leading to occasional collisions and near misses. The situation has created its kind of congestion, as e-scooter riders compete for limited space on busy streets and walkways.

The rapid adoption of e-scooters has forced authorities to rethink how to manage this new form of mobility. Queensland’s laws are clear: riders must not exceed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15, must adhere to speed limits (generally 25 km/h on bike paths and local roads), and must always wear helmets. 

Failure to comply with these rules can result in hefty fines, court appearances, and, as seen in Bagi’s case, the loss of a driver’s licence. Despite these laws, enforcing them across many riders remains challenging, prompting the community and local government to call for tighter regulation.

E-scooter
Photo Credit: BrisbaneCityCouncil/Facebook

Cancellation of Beam’s Licence

In an effort to better regulate the surge in e-scooter use, Brisbane recently cancelled the operating licence of Beam, one of the city’s main e-scooter providers. The decision came after an investigation revealed that Beam had systematically exceeded its daily vehicle cap by 500 scooters, a violation the company disputes. The council, however, chose to terminate Beam’s contract, making Brisbane the first Australian city to take such action against an e-scooter operator. 

Transport chair Cr Ryan Murphy confirmed that Beam’s devices would be progressively removed from Brisbane’s streets, and a replacement operator would be sought. Mr Murphy reassured the public that the e-scooter scheme itself was not in danger, and that the focus was on ensuring that operators comply with agreed-upon safety and operational standards.



Brisbane’s move to cancel Beam’s licence is part of a broader national conversation about the role of e-scooters in urban transport. Other councils, such as the Sunshine Coast, have recently voted to end e-scooter trials due to safety concerns, while Melbourne has faced ongoing debates about banning the devices altogether. Townsville in North Queensland also cancelled its agreement with Beam in early September. 

Published 27-Sept-2024

E-Scooter Safety Heightens Concerns Following Fortitude Valley Collision

A woman in her 40s sustained serious injuries after a collision involving her e-scooter and a cement truck at the intersection of Wickham St and Brunswick St in Fortitude Valley. From 38 cases in 2018 to over a thousand cases in 2022 and even more this year based on partial figures for 2023, the rising number of injuries related to e-scooter use have made public safety a critical discussion point.



Emergency services responded to the Fortitude Valley incident swiftly, offering immediate medical attention before transferring the injured woman to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Thankfully, while serious, her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

This November 22 incident is part of a troubling rise in e-scooter accidents, sparking a deeper examination of their usage and the pressing need for improved safety measures.

Statistics from the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit paint a concerning picture of the increasing trend in e-scooter-related injuries across Queensland in recent years:

  • 2018 (November to December): 38 cases
  • 2019: 288 cases
  • 2020: 386 cases
  • 2021: 706 cases
  • 2022: 1033 cases
  • 2023 (January to July): 716 cases
E-scooter injury types in a study conducted by Dr Cassandra Peace, Dr Dexter Rubio, and Dr Gary Mitchell
Photo Credit: Herston Health Precinct Symposium 2021 / CLIN-0039

This steady surge has alarmed safety experts and organisations, triggering discussions on crucial measures to enhance e-scooter safety across the region.

One major discussion point concerns the necessity for distinct operating environments that offer separation from faster motor vehicles while ensuring safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Achieving this hinges on determining permissible e-scooter speeds and regulating the speed of motorised vehicles and bicycles in these areas.



In response to mounting concerns, recent discussions on e-scooter scheme regulations consider implementing electronic speed control mechanisms. These mechanisms could enforce lower speeds or lockouts in high-risk zones, especially those with heavy pedestrian activity. 

However, challenges persist concerning privately owned e-scooters, potentially limiting the influence on their usage.

Proposals in the ongoing review by the National Transport Commission advocate for mandatory comprehensive insurance for e-scooters. Additionally, there are calls for installing speedometers on e-scooters, enabling users to adhere to designated speed restrictions.

Efforts are also underway to tackle e-scooter parking issues. Suggestions include technological constraints on parking locations as part of e-scooter scheme permits.

Furthermore, discussions involve penalties, such as confiscating privately owned e-mobility devices, to regulate proper parking practices and reduce obstructions in public spaces.

The focus remains on developing a comprehensive approach encompassing regulatory measures, infrastructure enhancements, and increased user awareness. This incident emphasises the urgent need to address these concerns and implement effective strategies to enhance e-scooter safety across Brisbane and beyond.

Residents of Fortitude Valley are urged to stay informed and engaged in these crucial discussions for a safer environment for all road users.

Published 4-December-2023

Police Launches Crackdown On E-scooter Riders In CBD, Fortitude Valley

The Safe Night Precincts, which includes Fortitude Valley, will be among the target areas of an e-scooter crackdown operation underway in Queensland.   


Read: On-Street Parking Meters Now Back in Use


The blitz, which commences on 20 June 2022, aims to crack down on people riding in a dangerous manner, which might mean speeding, using a mobile phone, carrying passengers or not wearing a helmet.

Photo credit: Boris Mayer/Pixabay 

Authorities will focus on riders coming to and from work in Brisbane’s CBD and will then move to the Safe Night Precincts (SNP), where they will target drink riders before targeting other areas in the region.

SNPs were created as a Queensland Government initiative to reduce late-night drug and alcohol-related violence. 

According to the Brisbane City Road Policing, more incidents have been recorded within the city precincts where people are driving riding e-scooters whilst intoxicated, and this is causing a problem for them and the city’s hospitals.

Boundary of Safe Night Precincts in Fortitude Valley (Photo credit: www.publications.qld.gov.au

The region-wide operation is expected to last until November 2022, when the new e-scooter rules will be officially implemented.

The reforms will see speed limits slashed on footpaths from 25 kilometres an hour to 12kph, mandating warning devices (like bells), enforcement of non-complying devices, increased penalties for high-risk offences, and clearer signage where e-scooters can be or can’t be parked.

The Queensland Government will also roll out an education campaign focusing on rider safety, wearing a helmet, how to overtake pedestrians and how to park e-scooters.

Photo credit: Shary Reeves/Pixabay 

When it was first announced in February 2022, police conducted an operation targeting personal mobility devices in Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley areas. Around 84 people were issued traffic infringements and the majority of them failed to wear a helmet without an exemption.

Based on the State Government’s rules on personal mobility devices or rideables, it’s a must to wear an approved bicycle helmet that is securely fitted, at all times, unless an exemption has been granted for medical or religious reasons.

E-scooters are being reminded to follow the rules and stay vigilant on the road, as tougher penalties will be in place for high-risk offences, such as speeding, using a mobile phone while riding, and riding on prohibited roads.