For Maggie, 12, her modified ebike is her ticket to the world. The Rockhampton girl, who has a form of dwarfism, is unable to push a non-powered bike, walk long distances or carry around heavy books or shopping.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives her the possibility of keeping up with her peers,\u201d said her mother, Krysten Thompson adding Maggie may one day even use it to travel to school if bike paths improved.<\/p>\n
But Andrea Herklots from EveryBody eBikes said she\u2019s worried a proposed crackdown on e-mobility \u2013 including a requirement that riders be \u201cmedically fit to drive\u201d a car \u2013 would lock many out of transport access.<\/p>\n
The Brisbane shop produces modified e-vehicles for people with disabilities throughout Australia and in the US and Canada.<\/p>\n
Andrea and Richard Herklots from Brisbane e-mobility business EveryBody eBikes. Photograph: Aaron Shambrook\/EveryBody eBikes<\/p>\n
Queensland\u2019s transport minister, Brent Mickelberg, announced on Tuesday that the government would introduce legislation this week implementing the recommendations of a recent parliamentary inquiry into the transport mode<\/a>, requiring riders to be over 16, hold at least a learner\u2019s licence and be \u201cmedically fit to drive\u201d.<\/p>\n Mickelberg said that would \u201censure that the only those who have the capacity to operate these devices do so\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cI acknowledge that will disadvantage some people who currently use these devices and are unable to drive, for example,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The legislation will exempt mobility devices like powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters \u2013 but Herklots said many wanted an ebike for active mobility. Some of them may not be recognised as having a disability, like those who have had a stroke or brain injury.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the people that are marginalised that really need the pedal assist; they\u2019re the ones that may not be able to ride an unpowered bike,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n