Back to school brings e-scooter safety into focus for Moreton Bay families

With students heading back to school next week and many children receiving e-scooters and e-bikes over Christmas, families across the City of Moreton Bay are being urged to pause and check the rules before the school run begins.

New national research from insurer AAMI highlights growing concern among drivers about children riding electric-powered devices in school zones, particularly around safety, speed and inexperience.

What the research shows

The research found:

• More than half of Australian drivers believe children should not use e-bikes or e-scooters to travel to and from school

• 39% believe electric-powered devices should not be allowed in school zones at all

• 70% oppose their use in school zones, citing safety risks, lack of riding knowledge and insufficient legislation

The findings come as millions of students return to classrooms nationwide, with school zones expected to become busier over the coming days.

Why parents are being urged to check the rules

Concerns are being driven by a rise in crashes involving young riders and electric-powered devices, particularly in high-traffic areas around schools.

According to the research, the top concerns among drivers include:

• Speed, with 67% worried about how fast e-bikes and e-scooters can travel

• Lack of road awareness, with 52% concerned about children navigating intersections and roundabouts

• Visibility, with 40 per cent worried drivers may not see children riding these devices

Queensland rules parents should know

In Queensland, children aged 12 to 15 are allowed to ride personal mobility devices only under close adult supervision, and there are strict rules around where and how these devices can be used.

There are also requirements relating to:

• Helmet use

• Speed limits

• Where devices can be ridden

• Use in school zones and shared paths

Several schools across Queensland and other states have already introduced bans on e-scooters and e-bikes on school grounds from the start of the year.

A timely reminder as school resumes

With school routines resuming and footpaths and roads becoming busier, families are being encouraged to talk through safety expectations with children before they ride.

Experts are urging parents and students alike to slow down, understand the rules and remember that school zones are shared spaces where attention and patience are critical.

As the new school year begins, taking a few minutes to check e-scooter rules and safety expectations could help prevent serious injuries and keep local streets safer for everyone.

Read the full AAMI research here.