For Residents and Visitors on the Sunshine Coast
🌴 Sunshine Coast Road Rule Changes: What Drivers & Riders Need to Know in 2026
From July 1, Queensland rolled out a major update to road rules and penalties — and if you live on the Sunshine Coast or you’re visiting our beautiful region, these changes affect you. The reforms focus heavily on e‑bikes, e‑scooters and personal mobility devices, aiming to make our shared paths, beachfronts and suburban streets safer for everyone.
Below is a clear breakdown of what’s changed and how it impacts everyday travel across Caloundra, Kawana, Maroochydore, Buderim, Coolum and Noosa.
🚨 Big Crackdown on E‑Bikes & E‑Scooters
Queensland has introduced some of its toughest rules yet for personal mobility devices. :
“Police can now seize and destroy illegal e-bikes and e-scooters…”
This means:
- Any illegal, modified or non‑compliant e‑bike or e‑scooter can be confiscated and destroyed.
- Riders can now be randomly breath‑tested, with a legal limit of 0.05 BAC — the same as car drivers.
- You can only ride on:
- Roads signed 60 km/h or below, or
- Designated bike lanes.
This is especially relevant on the Sunshine Coast, where many popular roads (Nicklin Way, Aerodrome Road, Alexandra Parade) exceed 60 km/h.
🚴 New Speed Limits for Riders
The document highlights:
“A maximum speed limit of 25km/h on roads now applies, as well as a 12km/h speed limit on footpaths…”
Here’s how that plays out locally:
- 25 km/h max on roads.
- 12 km/h max on footpaths and shared paths — including busy areas like:
- Mooloolaba Esplanade
- Cotton Tree foreshore
- Noosa River pathways
- Caloundra coastal walk
These limits aim to reduce collisions and keep pedestrians safe during peak tourist seasons.
⚠️ Higher Penalties Across the Board
Expect tougher fines for:
- Speeding on a personal mobility device
- Not wearing a helmet
- Careless or dangerous riding
- Carrying passengers
- Riding where devices are prohibited
Police presence has increased around hotspots such as Sunshine Plaza, Bulcock Street, Hastings Street and beachfront promenades.
👨👩👧 New Age & Licence Rules (From August 31)
“E-bike riders will need to be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s licence…”
This means:
- Riders must be 16 years or older.
- Riders must hold a valid driver’s licence, including a learner’s permit.
- Parents can now be fined if their children break these rules.
This is particularly important around schools and youth areas like Kawana Waters, Mountain Creek, Maroochydore and Coolum.
🌞 What This Means for Sunshine Coast Locals & Visitors
Whether you’re commuting, cruising the beachfront, or holidaying with the family, these new rules are designed to make shared spaces safer. If you ride an e‑bike or e‑scooter:
- Stick to the new speed limits
- Wear a helmet
- Stay under 0.05 BAC
- Make sure your device is legal
- Keep kids off e‑bikes unless they meet the new age and licence requirements
The Sunshine Coast’s pathways, beaches and shopping precincts are busier than ever — and these changes aim to keep them enjoyable for everyone.
