Revised laws under Queensland's Liberal National government will still give police some of the strongest powers in the country.
However the government has backed down on plans to ban children under 16 from e-scooters and e-bikes after "vehement criticism" of the bill.
Amended legislation to be introduced to the Queensland Parliament will allow children aged 12 to 17 to ride e-mobility devices without a driver's licence, provided they are under parental supervision.
The changes walk back an earlier proposal that would have required riders to be at least 16 and hold a licence.
The LNP government has also stepped away from tightening speed rules on footpaths, abandoning a push for a 10km/h cap.
Instead they will keep the existing 12km/h limit after a parliamentary committee process and community feedback.
From July 1, police will be able to randomly breath test e-scooter and e-bike riders in public places and seize and destroy illegal, high-powered devices used on roads and paths.
Penalties for speeding, failing to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding on prohibited roads will also increase.
The limits broadly mirror European-style standards – capping e-bikes at about 250 watts and 25km/h – but the package goes further than many countries by adding random breath tests and seizure powers for illegal devices.
Other states have taken a patchwork approach, with e-scooters still tightly controlled through trials or bans on many private devices in parts of NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
Western Australia and Tasmania have placed restrictions on under-16s using the devices, with NSW weighing up an age limit.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the Queensland reforms would target illegal and souped-up e-bikes and scooters on roads and paths.
"When we first began this reform process, we said we would make the tough decisions to keep the community safe," he said.
"But we have also listened to the community, and will introduce provisions so those aged 12 to 17 and those with a medical condition will be able to use e-mobility devices under certain conditions.
"Our reforms … strike the right balance between making our streets safer from those who do the wrong thing, while backing those people who do the right thing."
Opposition transport spokesman Bart Mellish said the bill had been labelled a disaster by all stakeholders and subjected to "some of the most vehement criticism I've seen of a bill in my time in this parliament."
"This 'nation leading' legislation needs more panel beating than a demolition derby car trying to pass a roadworthy," he told parliament.
Amy's Foundation managing director Katherine Bates said there were 12 e-mobility deaths in Queensland last year, with only one involving a legal e-bike.
"The harm comes from illegal, high-powered devices, and these laws are right to target that," Ms Bates said.
12°C