Skateboards, foot scooters and similar

Wheeled recreational devices are generally propelled by human power and are used for recreation or play. They include rollerblades, roller skates, skateboards, foot scooters. A foot scooter with a small electric motor (200 watts or under) that has a maximum speed of 10km is also a wheeled recreational device.

A wheeled toy is a child's pedal car, scooter, tricycle, or similar toy used by a child under 12.

Wheeled recreational devices and wheeled toys used for recreation or play should not be confused with personal mobility devices as there are differences in the rules.

Rules for wheeled recreational devices

You're not legally required to wear a helmet when using human-powered wheeled recreational devices. However, a helmet is required if the foot scooter has an electric motor. To reduce injuries you should wear protective clothing such as an approved helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards.

Most devices don't need to be registered to operate on Queensland's road network.

If you're travelling on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy you must not:

• travel on a road with a centre line or median strip, or a 1-way road with more than 1 marked lane
• travel on a road with a speed limit greater than 50km/h
• travel on a road at night—but you may cross a road while riding your wheeled recreational device by the shortest route. If you need to ride at night, you can ride your wheeled recreational device on a footpath
• travel alongside more than 1 other person or vehicle travelling on a road in the same direction, unless you are overtaking
• cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver, or unreasonably obstruct the path of any other road user.

If you're travelling on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy you must:

• keep to the far left-hand side of the road, and to the left of a footpath (including a shared path)
• give way to foot pedestrians on a footpath (including a shared path)
• give way to bicycles on a bicycle path.

Local laws

Local governments often have local laws prohibiting the use of wheeled recreational devices and wheeled toys on busy roads and footpaths. Wheeled recreational devices cannot be ridden where there is a sign prohibiting their use.

Contact your local council for more information on local laws in your area.