Arabic version: قاعدة رخصة الدراجات الكهربائية في كوينزلاند تثير مخاوف كبار السن

According to The Guardian, Queensland’s new ebike legislation will require riders in public to hold a driver’s licence, a nation-first measure that could prevent some older residents from continuing to use their bikes. The rules also set a minimum riding age of 16, give police new powers to seize ebikes and impose a 12km/h speed limit near pedestrians.

Lea-Anne Martin, 67, says her ebike has provided independence since she bought her first one 14 years ago. She uses it for trips of up to 25km from her home, including visits to Redcliffe’s beaches, local shops, friends and family. Martin, who has relied on Brisbane public transport in the past, says she may have to give up her ebike or obtain her first driver’s licence in her 60s.

Andrea Herklots, co-owner of EveryBody eBikes, says older Australians are the majority of customers at the specialist store, which adapts and customises vehicles for some riders. She says prospective riders have “ballooned upwards” and that many older customers want to remain fit and healthy in retirement.

Clive Bassett, 82, surrendered his driver’s licence years ago for medical reasons and cannot reapply. He says he rides his ebike about five times a week and tries to travel more than 100km weekly, but will need to seek a medical exemption to continue. Australian Medical Association Queensland president Erica Gannon says there are no appropriate clinical guidelines for deciding whether someone can safely ride an e-mobility device, creating difficulties for doctors considering exemptions.

Bicycle Queensland chief executive Matt Burke says the rules could encourage some people to retain their driving licences longer to preserve independence. Queenslanders aged 75 must obtain a medical certificate annually to keep a driver’s licence. The state government says the licensing requirement is intended to ensure only people capable of operating an ebike do so, while transport minister Brent Mickelberg said the government had committed to tackling problems caused by “young hoons and young hooligans.”