A motorised mobility device is a motorised wheelchair or a mobility scooter. If you use a motorised mobility device on a footpath or road related area in Queensland, it must be registered and it’s free to register. There is no minimum age requirement for registration. Two seated motorised mobility devices can be registered and used by 1 or 2 people. At least 1 of the users must have mobility difficulties.
A motorised mobility device can be registered to:
- an individual with mobility difficulties
- an organisation where the device is to be used by the organisation’s residents, shoppers, students or hirers
- a carer (individual/organisation) where the person with mobility difficulties can’t operate the motorised mobility device independently and safely and the device is fitted with a controller allowing the carer to operate it safely.
Motorised wheelchair
To be registered, your motorised wheelchair must be a vehicle that is a chair on wheels that:
- is built to transport a person who is unable to walk or has difficulty in walking
- is fitted with an electric motor, or an accessory containing an electric motor
- when propelled only by the motor, can’t reach a speed on level ground of more than 15 km/h.
Mobility scooter
To be registered, your mobility scooter must be a vehicle that is a chair on wheels that:
- is built to transport a person who is unable to walk or has difficulty walking
- is fitted with an electric motor
- is steered by handlebars or a steering wheel
- when propelled only by the motor, can’t reach a speed on level ground of more than 15 km/h
- has an unladen mass of no more than 170kg.
Special circumstances permit
Motorised mobility devices that are currently operated under a special circumstances permit, do not require registration as they have been exempt from this requirement.
If your device meets the new definition of either a motorised wheelchair or mobility scooter, your device is now eligible for registration.
If your special circumstances permit is about to expire, you will need to register your motorised mobility device before it expires so you can continue using it on footpaths or road related areas in Queensland.
Registration is free and registered devices are automatically covered by compulsory third-party insurance at no additional cost.
Compulsory third party coverage protects users from being held financially responsible if they injure another person while using their motorised mobility device, while also compensating the injured party.
Mobility scooters that weigh more than 170kg, can’t be registered but you can apply for a special circumstances permit. For more information contact us on 13 23 80 or visit a transport and motoring customer service centre or, if you live in a rural area, a QGAP office, Magistrates Court or local police station that provides vehicle registration services—please call to confirm before visiting.
When a motorised mobility device must be registered
If you use a motorised mobility device on a footpath or road area in Queensland, it must be registered.
If you move from another state or territory to Queensland to live, you must register your device within 14 days. Visitors to Queensland are exempt from registration.
In all cases, the person in control of the motorised mobility device must be capable to safely operate the device. Read more information on the use of a motorised mobility device.
How to register a motorised mobility device
Before you apply, you will need:
- a completed motorised mobility device (motorised wheelchair/mobility scooter) application (F5338)
- evidence of the Queensland address where the device will be garaged—this could be your Queensland driver licence, pensioner concession card, property rates notice, or a gas, phone or electricity bill. You must have a Queensland address on these documents.
- proof of origin:
- For a new device: receipt from the place of purchase which clearly states the details of the device.
- For a second-hand device:
- Proof of previous registration on Queensland records
- Statement of Acquisition— if you can’t provide proof of origin and there is no proof of previous registration. Call 13 23 80 for more information.
- evidence of identity for individual—such as your pensioner concession card, adult proof of age card/photo identification card or Queensland driver licence.
- evidence of identity for organisation—if we can’t verify the status of the organisation as registered with ASIC, evidence of identity must be provided. Read more information about evidence of identity requirements for organisations (S5386)
For further information contact TMR Queensland.