Comprehensive Guide to Electric Scooter Laws In Australia 2023

Are you an electric scooter rider in Australia, or are you planning to become one? Knowing the varying laws for electric scooters across Australia is key if you want to stay safe and compliant. In this guide, we’ll cover all electric scooter laws by state in 2023 so that riders can ensure they are up-to-date on their local regulations.

With the rapidly increasing popularity of electric scooters around the country, e-scooter riders need to know what is permitted in each state. So we’ll break down everything from speed limits to licensing requirements; read on to learn more about how Australian states are approaching electric scooter laws in 2023.

Electric Scooter Laws in New South Wales

In New South Wales, e scooter laws are quite restrictive. According to the NSW Roads and Maritime Services, electric scooters are illegal on any roads or road-related areas such as footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes. In addition, they can only be used on private property with permission from the property owner.

As of July 2022, e-scooter shared schemes are being trialled in NSW. Riders at trial locations can hire and ride electric scooters (e-scooters). All riders must wear an approved bicycle helmet when riding an e-scooter, use the e-scooter lights when riding in darkness or hazardous weather conditions and adhere to a BAC limit of 0.05.

Electric scooters are subject to the same drug driving offences as motor vehicle drivers, and severe penalties apply if riders are caught drinking or drug riding. Individuals must also be over 16 years old to use the shared scheme e-scooters and not exceed 10km/h on shared paths.

The trial is expected to last 12 months and will be evaluated and monitored by the NSW Government. However, it could pave the way for more electric scooter freedom in New South Wales should it be successful.

Electric Scooter Laws in Queensland

In Queensland, electric scooters consider personal mobility devices. Therefore, when riding an electric scooter in Australia, you must wear a helmet approved by the Australian Standards (AS). This may be either an approved bicycle or a motorbike helmet.

The age restrictions for riding an electric scooter in Queensland are 16 years of age or 12 years and supervised by an adult while riding the device. Children under 12 years of age must not ride electric scooters in Queensland.

When riding adult electric scooters, riders must have an effective stopping system controlled by using brakes, gears or motor control, as well as a working bell, horn or similar warning device (if the device has handlebars).

When riding electric scooters in Queensland, you must always stay on the left and give way to pedestrians. The speed limits vary depending on where you are riding. On footpaths and shared paths, the maximum speed is 12km/h unless otherwise signed. Separated paths and bicycle paths have a 25km/h speed limit.

When riding in a bike lane on roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less, the maximum speed is 25km/h, and any other lower speed limits must be obeyed. Likewise, on physically separated on-road bike lanes, the maximum speed is 25km/h, and any other lower speed limit must also be obeyed.

You cannot ride past a ‘personal mobility devices prohibited’ sign. In addition, your local council or landowners may prohibit personal mobility devices in certain areas such as malls, esplanades or jetties.

Electric Scooter Laws in South Australia

Electric scooters consider motorized wheeled recreational devices. In South Australia, electric scooter riders must be at least 16 years of age, hold a current driver’s license and wear an approved helmet. They must also stay within 25km/h, and electric scooters cannot be used on roads or road-related areas such as footpaths, bike/pedestrian tracks or vehicle parking areas.

Electric scooters can only be used on private property. Failing to abide by this law could result in hefty fines for driving unregistered or uninsured vehicles or even for failing to hold the appropriate driver’s license.

Under South Australian legislation, electric scooters are considered motor vehicles and thus require a driver’s license, registration and compulsory third-party insurance. These devices do not meet safety standards under the Australian Design Rules (ADR), so they are not eligible for registration.

Electric Scooter Laws in Tasmania

In Tasmania, electric scooters – or Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) – are a popular way to get around. But before you hop on one, it’s important to understand the laws that govern their use.

To be considered a PMD, an off road electric scooter must have at least one wheel and measure no more than 125cm long, 70cm wide and 135cm high. It must also not exceed 45kg in weight and not be capable of travelling faster than 25km/h on level ground.

Anything bigger or that can travel faster must meet licensing and registration requirements for motor vehicles. So before you take to the streets, ensure your e-scooter complies with the laws.

Electric Scooter Laws in Victoria

If you own a privately owned e-scooter, you can only ride it on private property. idingYou’re good to go as long as your electric motor has a power output of 200 watts or less and a speed capability of 10 km/h or less. Don’t get caught breaking the laws – enjoy your e-scooter ride on private property and avoid public roads, footpaths, shared or cycle paths and public parks.

In Victoria, electric scooters may be used for commercial hire in certain areas. These e-scooters provide a sustainable and convenient mode of transport for short journeys. However, users are automatically speed-limited to 20km/h and must adhere to certain laws when using the scooter.

Riders must be at least 18 years old and not allowed to carry passengers. When using commercial hire e-scooters, riders must not ride on footpaths and must always wear a bicycle helmet. Additionally, electric scooters may only be used on bicycle lanes, shared paths, and roads with a speed limit of less than 50km/h.

Furthermore, riders must not use a mobile phone while riding, must be below 0.05 BAC, and have zero presence of prescribed drugs when using the scooter.

Electric Scooter Laws in Western Australia

Electric scooters in the state of Victoria are considered ‘eRideables’. An electric rideable, commonly referred to as an eRideable, is a small device with at least one wheel that is not more than 125 cm long, 70 cm wide and 135 cm high and weighs no more than 25 kg. It can also not travel faster than 25 km/h on level ground.

Electric scooters can generally be ridden on footpaths, bicycle paths and shared paths. They may also be used on local roads without center lines and with a speed limit of 50km/h or less. However, when using these local roads, riders must not exceed 10km/h and give way to any pedestrians at pedestrian crossings. Additionally, electric scooter riders are no longer required to dismount when crossing a pedestrian if they enter the crossing from the connected path rather than the road.

Riders must be at least 16 years of age to use electric scooters. While special provisions have been made that allow children under this age to ride low-powered electric scooters with a maximum motor power of 200 watts and a speed limit of 10km/h.

If you have an electric scooter that exceeds the dimensions of 125 cm long, 70 cm wide, 135 cm high, and 25 kg and can travel more than 25 km/h, it may not be legally ridden on roads and paths in Western Australia.

Electric Scooter Laws in the Australian Capital Territory

Electric scooter riders in the Australian Capital Territory must obey some laws to ensure their safety and that of pedestrians.

To stay compliant, scooterists must:

• Wear a high-quality, approved helmet
• Stick to the bicycle side of separated paths and footpaths, shared paths, or bike paths, and keep left when on roads.
• Speed limits must be adhered to, with 25km/h on bike paths and 15km/h on footpaths and 10km/h at crossings.
• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol or using mobile devices while riding is prohibited.
• Passengers aren’t allowed
• For children aged 12 and under, electric scooters can only be ridden under adult supervision.

Knowing these electric scooter laws is essential for staying safe on your ride.

Electric Scooter Laws in Northern Territory

When riding an electric scooter, also known as an e-scooter in Northern Territory, you don’t need a driver’s license or learner permit. But it pays to be aware of the rules, so you know what’s allowed and what isn’t – otherwise, you might face to face with hefty fines or points on your license.

If you hire a Neuron e-scooter, you must be at least 18 years old and wear an approved helmet that is securely fitted. You can only use them in public places and keep them to the left, giving way to pedestrians.

You also can’t carry passengers, use a mobile phone or have a BAC of 0.05 or more. As for speed, the scooters are limited to 15 km/h and must have lights operating at night.

For your own e-scooter, it’s a different story – you can only ride it on private property, not roads, footpaths or other public spaces.

Will the law change on electric scooters?

Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular in Australia and the laws surrounding them are also evolving. Currently, motorized scooter for adults laws vary from state to state. However, the Government is exploring legalizing electric scooters, which could lead to changes in how they can be used and where they can be ridden.

TfL has already announced plans to procure operators for a trial period beyond September 2023 with the potential to make these laws permanent after May 2024 when the national trial period ends. This is exciting news for anyone looking forward to getting around on an electric scooter as it provides greater access, making this mode of transportation more accessible for all.

Summary

Electric scooter laws in Australia vary by state, so riders should be aware of the specific regulations in their location. Awareness of these regulations is essential for staying safe and compliant when riding a motorized scooter for adults.

Before riding electric scooters, it is important to ensure you are familiar with the rules and regulations in your own state or local area. It is also important for riders to ensure that their e-scooter meets all the necessary safety requirements, such as having a reliable braking system and visibility lights for nighttime rides.

Furthermore, electric scooter riders should be aware of potential hazards, such as pedestrians and other road users, which can pose an increased risk when riding at higher speeds.

Finally, it is advised that electric scooter riders wear protective gear – including a helmet – when riding an electric scooter to protect themselves from any potential injury or harm.

Keep you and those around you safe – follow electric scooter laws for a smooth ride!