Audit finds hundreds of illegal e-bikes bought with Queensland rebate funds

Hundreds of illegal or potentially illegal e-bikes and e-scooters were purchased through a Queensland Government rebate scheme, according to the findings of a newly released internal audit.

The audit, made public on Sunday, examined the state-funded e-mobility rebate program launched by the former Labor government in September 2024. The scheme offered rebates of $500 for eligible e-bikes and $200 for eligible e-scooters, with strict eligibility rules requiring devices to be limited to a top assisted speed of 25 kilometres per hour and a motor output of no more than 250 watts.

Government figures show that of the 3,265 e-bikes subsidised under the program, 693 - around 21 per cent - were either illegal or potentially illegal under Queensland law. Five devices could not be traced, while two were later found not to be e-bikes at all.

The audit also identified compliance issues among e-scooters, with 141 of the 1,508 devices funded under the scheme deemed illegal.

Under Queensland regulations, e-bikes and e-scooters are considered illegal if they can exceed 25km/h under motor power alone or if they are fitted with motors larger than 250 watts.

Former Labor minister Shannon Fentiman has called on the state government to seize illegal devices purchased under the scheme and to fine riders who used public rebates to buy non-compliant e-bikes.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the findings confirmed the rebate scheme had worsened community concerns about unsafe and illegal e-mobility devices.

"This scheme has only added fuel to the fire," Mr Mickelberg said. "Labor have serious questions to answer about why such an ill-considered program was allowed to go ahead."

Funding for the rebate scheme, announced by former transport minister Bart Mellish, was exhausted within a month of its launch.

Mr Mickelberg said responsibility for the failures lay squarely with the former government.
"It's easy to pass the buck to public servants, but ultimately governments are accountable for the programs they approve," he said.