You’ve probably seen people riding around on electric scooters around your home in Australia. Shared scooters are available in many states and territories in Australia, especially the capital and other major cities. Because electric scooters are becoming more and more popular in Australia, some people even choose to buy their own personal electric scooters instead of renting shared scooters.
But many people, including international students, do not know that private scooters are banned in many areas. While riding a scooter may not appear to be illegal, some scooter riders have been fined hefty for breaking the rules.
So, what are the laws on e-scooters in Australia? nib will introduce the relevant laws of each region or state in Australia below.
riding an electric scooter
Is it legal in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)?
In the Australian Capital Territory, as long as you abide by the relevant laws, it is legal to ride a shared electric scooter or a private one.
The relevant laws of electric scooters in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
Riders must always give way to pedestrians.
Each electric scooter can only have one rider at a time.
No riding on roads or bike lanes on roads, except on residential streets with no sidewalks.
Do not consume alcohol or drugs while riding an electric scooter.
Helmets must be worn.
riding an electric scooter
Is it legal in New South Wales (NSW)?
In New South Wales, shared electric scooters from approved leasing companies can be driven on roads or in relevant areas, such as non-motorized lanes. Private electric scooters are not permitted to ride on NSW roads or related areas.
New South Wales (NSW) laws related to electric scooters:
Usually riders must be at least 16 years old; however, some rental car platforms require a minimum age of 18.
In New South Wales, electric scooters can only be ridden on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h, non-motorized lanes and other related areas. When riding on a road bike path, the speed must be kept below 20 km/h. When riding on non-motorized lanes, riders must keep their speed below 10 km/h.
You must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05 or less while riding.
riding an electric scooter
Is it legal in the Northern Territory (NT)?
In the Northern Territory, private scooters are prohibited from being used in public places; if you need to ride, you can only ride a shared scooter provided by Neuron Mobility (an electric
electric scooter
Is it legal in South Australia (SA)?
In South Australia, non-motorized vehicles are prohibited in public places; in approved electric scooter riding areas, riders can rent shared electric scooters through electric scooter rental platforms such as Beam and Neuron. Private electric scooters can only be used on private premises.
South Australia (SA) laws related to electric scooters:
Riders must be at least 18 years old to ride.
Compliant helmets must be worn.
You cannot ride on bike lanes or bus lanes.
Riders are not allowed to use cell phones or other mobile electronic devices while riding.
riding an electric scooter
Is it legal in Tasmania (TAS)?
In Tasmania, e-scooters that meet the Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) standard can be used in public places, such as footpaths, bicycle lanes, cycle lanes and roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less. But because many types of personal electric scooters do not meet the relevant requirements, they can only be used in private places.
Tasmania (TAS) laws related to electric scooters:
To ride at night, personal mobility devices (PMDs, including electric scooters) must have a white light on the front, a prominent red light and a red reflector on the rear.
Mobile phones are not allowed while riding.
Do not consume alcohol or drugs while riding an electric scooter.
riding an electric scooter
Is it legal in Victoria (VIC)?
Private electric scooters are not allowed in public places in Victoria; shared electric scooters are only allowed in certain specific areas.
Victorian (VIC) relevant laws for electric scooters:
Electric scooters are not allowed on sidewalks.
Riders must be at least 18 years old.
No people allowed (only one person allowed per scooter).
Helmets are required.
You must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05 or less while riding.
riding an electric scooter
Is it legal in Western Australia (WA)?
Western Australia will allow private electric scooters, known as eRideables, to be ridden in public from December 2021. Previously, cycling was only allowed in private places in Western Australia.
Western Australia (WA) laws related to electric scooters:
Only one person is allowed per scooter.
Helmets must be worn at all times while riding.
Riders must be at least 16 years old.
The speed must not exceed 10 km/h on sidewalks and 25 km/h on bicycle lanes, non-motorized lanes or ordinary streets.
You cannot ride on roads with a speed limit exceeding 50 km/h.
scooter sharing platform).
Relevant laws for electric scooters in the Northern Territory (NT):
Riders must be at least 18 years old.
The speed must not exceed 15 km/h.
Helmets are mandatory.
Keep left and give way to pedestrians.
riding an electric scooter
Is it legal in Queensland (QLD)?
In Queensland, electric personal mobility devices, including personal electric scooters, are legal to ride in public if they meet the relevant standards. For example, a personal mobility device must be used by only one person at a time, have a maximum weight of 60kg (without a person on board), and have one or more wheels.
Queensland (QLD) laws related to electric scooters:
You must drive on the left and give way to pedestrians.
Riders must be at least 16 years old.
Do not exceed the speed limit in each area: sidewalks and non-motorized lanes (up to 12 km/h); multi-lane and bicycle lanes (up to 25 km/h); bicycle lanes and roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less (25 km/h /Hour).
Post time: Mar-11-2023