Crackdown on E-Mobility Misuse

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has initiated Operation Yankee Surety, a comprehensive enforcement campaign aimed at promoting safer use of e-mobility devices such as e-scooters, electric cycles, and other personal mobility devices (PMDs). This operation, set to run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, comes in the wake of new legislative changes designed to curb unsafe riding behaviors and remove illegal e-mobility devices from the roads.

Operation Yankee Surety marks a significant step toward addressing the rising trend of e-mobility device usage in Queensland, which, while convenient, has led to an increase in reckless behaviors. This includes speeding, impaired operation, helmet-less riding, and the use of unauthorized devices. The previous related campaign, Operation X-Ray Surety, resulted in over 2,800 traffic infringement notices being issued for violations by e-mobility users.

In addition to traditional enforcement, the new legislation allows for roadside breath testing of riders, confiscation of non-compliant devices, and the imposition of fines not only on riders but also on parents or guardians of minors found using illegal devices. These measures aim to reinforce the importance of responsible e-mobility usage.

Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman emphasized the operation’s role in maintaining public safety. “Our commitment extends to ensuring that all road users, including those on e-mobility devices, adhere to safety regulations to prevent tragic accidents,” he stated. The urgency of these measures is underscored by the 16 fatalities involving e-mobility devices recorded over the past year and a half.

Queensland Police continues to urge all e-mobility device users to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the rules, stressing that compliance is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the riders and the broader community.