Queensland E-Scooter and E-Bike Work Claims Top $25M Over Five Years

Introduction
E-scooters and e-bikes are revolutionising personal transport across Queensland—but they’re also driving up injury costs. New data from WorkCover Queensland reveals that more than $25 million in workers’ compensation claims has been paid out over the past five years for incidents involving these devices, with the number of claims growing every year.

Details of the Findings
Between mid-2020 and mid-2025, WorkCover Queensland received **1,321 workers’ compensation claims** involving e-scooter or e-bike-related injuries. The vast majority involved e-scooters, with most claims relating to **workers injured while travelling to or from their job**.

• **More than $25.5 million** in total claim costs
• **388 claims** lodged in 2023–24, up from **107** in 2020–21
• **80% of claims** involved workers commuting or traveling for work
• **2 fatalities** and **5 serious injury claims** (e.g. brain and spinal trauma)

In the current 2024–25 financial year alone, **$4.4 million** has already been paid out.

Common Injuries and Risk Context
The claims range from minor incidents to catastrophic outcomes. WorkCover noted that **all fatal and serious injuries involved e-scooters**.

Incidents occurred in a variety of settings:

• While riding to or from work
• While using the devices during work tasks
• During lunch breaks or recess periods

In some cases, injuries were psychological—caused by **witnessing traumatic accidents involving e-devices**.

Legal and Regulatory Commentary
WorkCover and legal professionals have acknowledged the transport flexibility these devices offer but warn that safety infrastructure and regulations are lagging.

Ben Wilcock from Shine Lawyers said his firm has seen **an uptick in enquiries from injured workers and pedestrians**:
“We’re seeing increasing volumes of enquiries for people either injured on e-scooters or e-bikes, or injured by those devices as pedestrians.”

Workers are eligible to claim if the device was used as part of their duties or during direct commutes. Claims are also valid during official breaks, such as when stepping out to get coffee. However, exclusions apply in cases involving **alcohol, drugs, or substantial deviations from normal travel routes**.

Inquiry and Policy Outlook
The Queensland Parliamentary Committee reviewing e-scooter safety is expected to release its findings by **March 2026**. The growing number of claims and their rising cost is likely to influence calls for:

• Better infrastructure for shared micromobility devices
• Improved safety education and enforcement
• Stricter employer policies for work-related e-device use
• Debate over e-bike registration requirements

WorkCover has warned of a “consistent increase in both the number and cost of claims,” and emphasised the importance of proactive safety measures as adoption of e-mobility continues to surge.

Conclusion
As more Queenslanders embrace e-scooters and e-bikes, the costs—both human and financial—are becoming increasingly clear. While these devices may represent the future of urban mobility, a lack of safety regulation, training, and infrastructure is placing workers at growing risk. Whether through claims data or community voices, the message is loud: reform is overdue.