In Queensland, there have been changes to legislation for the use of Motorised Mobility Devices (MMDs), which includes motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
In Queensland, there have been changes to legislation for the use of Motorised Mobility Devices (MMDs), which includes motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
The amendments, which came into effect on 7 September 2022, are aimed at removing barriers for users and ensure they can access gratuitous CTP insurance (at no cost).
One of the most significant changes is the removal of weight regulations for wheelchairs, which was previously 150kg without the user. This weight limit has been increasingly difficult to meet, given heavier batteries and other attachments such as actuators which help to adjust the chair (such as raise the seat).
It’s important to keep in mind that Commonwealth legislation still requires ramps used for public transport to have a weight limit of 300kg, which covers both the wheelchair and user combined.
We’ve included a summary of these changes below for your reference:
| Prior to 7 September 2022 | After 7 September 2022 |
|---|---|
| Motorised wheelchairs · Maximum unladen mass of 150kg for public use and registration purposes. · Maximum speed capability of 10km/h · Covered by gratuitous CTP insurance · Considered a ‘motor vehicle’ for the purposes of transport legislation | Motorised wheelchairs · No maximum unladen mass for public use and registration purposes. · Maximum speed capability of 15km/h (although existing footpath speed of 10km/h will continue to apply) · Covered by gratuitous CTP insurance · Considered a ‘pedestrian’ for the purposes of transport legislation |
| Mobility scooters · Maximum unladen mass of 150kg for public use and registration purposes. · Maximum speed capability of 10km/h · Covered by gratuitous CTP insurance · Considered a ‘motor vehicle’ for the purposes of transport legislation | Mobility scooters · Maximum unladen mass of 170kg for public use and registration purposes. · Maximum speed capability of 15km/h (although existing footpath speed of 10km/h will continue to apply) · Covered by gratuitous CTP insurance · Considered a ‘pedestrian’ for the purposes of transport legislation. |
