Queenslanders will be able to access rebates worth hundreds of dollars when buying e-scooters and e-bikes under a new scheme launched by the state government.
The pre-election move, which starts on from Monday, will allow Queenslanders to claim a $500 rebate for an e-bicycle and $200 for an e-scooter.
The government has committed $1 million towards the scheme, which will assist with the purchase of thousands of devices — although funding is expected to be quickly exhausted.
Transport Minister Bart Mellish said e-bikes and e-scooters reduced congestion and emissions, but also offered a convenient mode of transport in the state's hot conditions.
Transport Minister Bart Mellish says e-scooters and e-bikes are a popular alternative form of transport. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)
"We know more Queenslanders want to take up riding to be more active and travel sustainably, but sometimes distance, heat, hills and physical fitness can be a barrier," he said.
"E-bikes are the ideal solution, making it comfortable for Queenslanders of all abilities to ride for longer, more often — and now, more affordably too.
"E-scooters and e-bikes are becoming a popular alternative form of transport to support the first-last mile journey to public transport or travelling short distances."
The rebate will be available for e-scooters and e-bicycles purchased from this Monday, but they will need to meet eligibility criteria.
For e-scooters, this includes a requirement that the device can only be ridden by one person, and that it is propelled by a motor that stops operating once the device hits a speed of 25kph.
For e-bikes, they cannot be fitted with an internal combustion engine, and they cannot travel faster than 6kph when propelled only by the electric motor.
The government launched a similar scheme in 2022 that offered rebates of up to $6,000 for electric vehicle purchases, but the program was closed to new applicants earlier this month.
New e-scooter rules were introduced in Queensland in November 2022. (ABC News: Claudia Williams)
The government said the new program for e-bikes and e-scooters would include "detailed guidelines" about safe e-device riding and charging practices.
New e-scooter rules and penalties were introduced by the state in November 2022, including tiered speeding fine categories.
The maximum speed limit allowed for e-scooters on footpaths is 12kph, while the maximum speed on separated paths is 25kph.
The government said police have given out more than 6,000 fines to riders since the new rules began.
The rebate will only be available to Queensland residents and applicants must be at least 18 years old.