Research shows that most e-scooter users follow Brisbane’s speed limits and helmet laws

A study from the University of Queensland examined e-scotter riders’ behavior in Brisbane before and after the introduction of stricter regulations.

The team, led by Dr. Richard Buning of the Micromobility Research Cluster at UQ Business School, was asked by Queensland’s Government’s Transportation Authority and Main Roads (TMR) to look into speeds, helmet use and where the e-scooter is on board.

“The Queensland electronic sumoter road rules were changed in November 2022 to help improve safety on the streets and sidewalks,” Dr. Booning said.

“Our team analyzed data from over 200 hours of traffic camera footage from both rideshare/public and private e-scooters in eight Brisbane locations captured in October 2022 and October 2023.

“We observed most riders who observed a 12 km/h speed limit introduced on the sidewalks, but did not comply with traveling below 15 km/h, above the speed limit alone.

“On allowed passes such as bike lanes and on-road passes, 82% are stuck with the 25 km/h e-scooter speed limit.

“Riders were more likely to remain within speed limits in high density areas like CBD, which are pedestrian.”

Queensland e-scoater rules

Ride on sidewalks and drive on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h & h & local 50 km/h with shared paths, bike paths and on-road bike lanes.

Dr. Booning said that helmet compliance is overall high overall, perhaps due to the well-established rules for cyclists.

“Public e-scooter riders are less likely to wear helmets, which could be explained in shorter rides and low-risk areas such as CBD and sidewalks.

This study showed some differences in the locations where public and private electronic sumoters were on board.

“People with shared e-scooters tend to ride sidewalks and avoid infrastructure such as on-road bike lanes that have been allowed recently, implying less knowledge and understanding of road rules,” Dr. Buning said.

“We were encouraged to see that bike lanes are likely to be used in place of sidewalks and within speed limits when there are more separate bike paths.

“This shows that infrastructure affects rider behavior.”

Dr. Booning noted that TMR had a comprehensive communications campaign ahead of the changes to road rules.

“This includes billboards including Streetsmarts channels and social media ads, as well as brochures and handouts with QR codes, linking to speed limit rules and information about where to ride,” he said.

“Our report includes recommendations on delegation that businesses and retailers will provide e-scooter users with road rules and related penalties.

“There is no such information currently available at retail stores for those who buy scooters.

“For public schemes, usage timers often start while rules are displayed, encouraging users to quickly skip notifications.”

Dr. Booning said Queensland is leading the country in the adoption of e-scooters and has the kindest regulations.

“Previous research has shown that e-Scooters are valuable assets for Brisbane, which strengthens the perception and experience of both residents and tourists, so continuing to research in future research is an important area.”

The report “e-scooter Movement Data Analysis” was commissioned by the Queensland government through the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The investigation team submitted it to the Queensland Government’s e-mobility safety survey, which is scheduled to report to Parliament by March 2026.