E-bikes and e-scooters are emerging as an efficient and low energy way to travel in Brisbane. The ‘E’ stands for electric, and there are various options available across the city. This page focuses on two of the most popular: electric bikes and electric scooters.
E-mobility is a key initiative of the Transport Plan for Brisbane – Implementation Plan 2018 aimed at encouraging greater use of e-bikes, e-scooters and emerging active transport options, and ensuring safe practices and behaviour when sharing bikeways and pathways.
E-bikes have a small motor powered by a rechargeable battery, but also require you to keep pedalling so you get the best of both worlds: the benefits of exercise and a power boost when you need it. Research confirms the exercise benefits for people who switch from driving cars to riding e-bikes.
E-bikes are great for tackling hills, the heat and humidity, which means you can keep riding throughout the year and can wear ordinary clothes.
They cost more upfront than an average non-electric bike, but are very cheap to run, and much more economical over a year than running a car. Charging can cost as little as 30 cents for every 100km, and even less if your energy source includes solar panels.
Similar to an e-bike, an e-scooter has a small motor with a rechargeable battery, which provides the user with power to increase their speed compared with an ordinary scooter.
Currently in Brisbane, there are two companies offering both e-scooters and e-bikes as part of a share scheme. Visit the links below to find out more:
Local street* | Road (other) | Shared pathway | Bike-only pathway | On-road bike lane | On-road seperated bike lane** | Green street*** | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bike | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Electric bike | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Electric scooter | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
* A local street has a speed limit of 50km/h or less, and no dividing line or median strip.
** A seperated bike lane is a lane on a road located next to the kerb and seperated from vehicles by a wide buffer or physical barrier.
*** A green street is designed to prioritise bike riding and other active transport, while also permitting motor vehicles to use the space.
The Queensland Government’s road rules set out where and how e-mobility devices may be used. From 1 November 2022, rules for personal mobility devices are changing. Ensure you understand all the requirements before setting out.
When riding an e-mobility device on a path, you must:
Cycling Brisbane runs free workshops where you can learn more about e-bikes and e-scooters, and try one as part of a guided ride. Book your free workshop.