Queensland is fast becoming the e-scooter capital of Australia thanks to the sunny state having the most open electric scooter laws in Australia. Now, the Queensland government is offering a rebate to purchase your own e-scooter or e-bike.
As part of Queensland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, the state government has put up $1 million towards the new E-Mobility Rebate Scheme. Aimed at making personal mobility devices more affordable, up to $500 is available to each successful applicant.
It’s already proved popular among Queenslanders, with the scheme attracting more than 860 applications in the first three days. In response, the state government added an additional $1 million in funding towards the rebates.
Combined with the state’s 50-cent public transport fares, the scheme aims to reduce reliance on cars and make environmentally friendly modes of transport more accessible.
“Encouraging more Queenslanders to take advantage of new forms of transport gets cars off our road, and more people enjoying our great active transport routes,” said Queensland Transport Minister Bart Mellish. “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.”
“They also help to reduce congestion and emissions and provide a convenient mode of transport for Queensland’s hot and often hilly conditions.”
Research also shows that access to mobility devices like e-scooters also helps people with disabilities or those on low incomes.
How to access the Queensland e-scooter rebate
Available until the funding runs out, the rebate is valid to Queensland residents who purchase an eligible e-bike or e-scooter. Per the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) website, you can claim the rebate for a purchase made from 23 September 2024 onwards.
$200 is up for grabs when buying an e-scooter, while e-bikes attract a $500 rebate. If you happen to find a device less than the price of the rebate, you’ll get the cost of your purchase instead. Up to three people per household can apply for the rebate, helping families get multiple scooters or bikes.
There are a few eligibility conditions involved; you need to purchase a new device that complies with state regulations. QRIDA has a list of these requirements to ensure you make an eligible purchase.
Applications are open online until the funding runs out. QRIDA includes a disclaimer, warning “that funding will be exhausted quickly, rebate funding is not guaranteed at any stage of the application process.”
Retailers including Segway-Ninebot have jumped at the chance to promote the e-scooter rebate, labelling it as “part of a larger movement towards a greener future”.
The rebate is likely to boost Queensland’s already-high e-scooter usage. Victoria is catching up, while South Australia is currently legislating private e-scooter use in public areas. Meanwhile, it is currently illegal to ride private e-scooters in New South Wales. Only approved rental scooters can be ridden publicly in NSW.
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