The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has launched Operation Yankee Surety, a coordinated, statewide policing operation focused on enforcing e-mobility laws and addressing unsafe rider behaviours.
Running from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, Operation Yankee Surety operationalises new legislative changes to e-mobility devices, with a focus on deterring unsafe behaviours on electrically power assisted cycles (EPACs), e-scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMDs) and removing illegal devices from Queensland roads.
The growing popularity of e-mobility devices has made them an increasingly common mode of transport but has also led to a concerning rise in dangerous riding behaviours such as speeding, impaired riding, riding without a helmet, and the use of illegal devices.
The operation follows on from the efforts of Operation X-Ray Surety, which ran from 3 November 2025 to 26 January 2026, during which Queensland police issued more than 2,800 traffic infringement notices (TINs) to e-mobility users.
Maintaining this focus on e-mobility safety, from 1 January to 19 June 2026, police issued more than 2,600 TINs related to e-mobility usage, including 1,824 for not wearing a helmet, 358 for riding on a prohibited road and 69 for speeding.
However, under the newly introduced legislation, police enforcement has expanded to include roadside breath testing of EPAC and PMD riders; the capability to seize all non-compliant devices; fines for parents or guardians of under 16s riding non-compliant devices; and fines for speeding.
Emergency Response and Coordination Command Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said the operation represents the QPS’ commitment to keeping all road users safe – including riders of e-mobility devices.
“Queensland police have witnessed a rapid rise in the use of e-mobility devices across Queensland, and while they offer convenience, they must be used safely and lawfully,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
“Operation Yankee Surety reinforces our strong commitment to road safety, which extends to every rider on EPACs, PMDs and other e-mobility devices.”
“We want all riders to understand that rules exist for a reason, and dangerous behaviours and non-compliant devices place not just the rider, but the entire community, at risk of tragic crashes, injuries and death.”
“Keeping road and pathway users safe remains our priority, and police will act against non-compliant devices and unlawful behaviour wherever it occurs.”
Assistant Commissioner Wildman said the consequences of unsafe usage can be devastating, with 12 lives tragically lost on e-mobility devices in Queensland last year, with a further four fatalities recorded since the beginning of 2026.
“Tragically, we have seen first-hand the devastating impact serious, traumatic and fatal e-mobility crashes can have on the community, and far too often these incidents are linked to preventable actions,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
“Our message is simple – ride legally, wear a helmet, know the rules and make smart decisions.
“By doing so, you’re protecting yourself and others on our roads and pathways.”
Police remind all e-mobility users, including younger riders and their parents or guardians, to be aware of the rules and ride safely.
For more information about e-mobility laws and safety, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/e-bikes-e-scooters/.
New e-mobility laws, 2026
Under new laws introduced by the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026, from 1 July 2026:
- Police can seize illegal devices.
- Roadside Breath Tests by police will enforce drink riding for riders of e-bikes, bicycles, e-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices in public places. 0.05 BAC applies.
- Devices faster than 25km/h will be banned. E-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices must be restricted so they can’t exceed 25km/h. E-bike motors can only assist up to 25km/h. E-bikes can only be ridden faster under human pedal power.
- 12km/h speed limits will apply on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths for e-bikes, e-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices.
- E-scooters, e-skateboards or e-unicycles can be ridden on roads, including on-road bike lanes, with a speed limit of up to 60km/h. Riders can only go to a maximum speed of 25km/h.
- Parents will be fined for under 16s riding illegal devices.
From 31 August 2026:
- Riders must be 16 with a licence. Some exemptions for medical conditions and disabilities, and the ability for 12-17-year-olds to ride under parental supervision will apply.
From 28 February 2027:
- Compliance labelling for e-bikes* will be mandatory, by 28 February 2027.
*Information about the exemptions and an assurance scheme to help e-bike owners comply with the new labelling requirements will be available from the Department of Transport and Main Roads after 31 August 2026.
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.
