It goes without saying that there's a degree of risk to your safety when riding scooters and E-scooters. Following reports of some serious traffic accidents involving E-scooters, it's important that we talk about how dangerous riding E-scooters can be if the proper safety isn't followed.
As each state and territory in Australia has its own set of rules regarding E-scooter safety, we're going to take a look at them all so that you're across everything you need to know when it comes to safely riding an E-scooter in Australia.
Just remember that if you need support or someone to talk to, our Sonder support team is available 24/7 to chat whenever you need it.
ACT
The following rules apply when using an E-scooter in the ACT:
Wear a helmet - You must wear an approved safety helmet while riding an e-scooter.
Abide by the speed limit - The speed limit for e-scooters while riding on a shared path or bike path is 25km/h and 15km/h for footpaths, and you must slow down to 10km/h when using a crossing.
Don't drive under the influence - Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and illegal.
One person per scooter - Only one person is allowed on an e-scooter at any time.
Supervise children - Children under the age of 12 must not ride an e-scooter without adult supervision.
Use the path - You must not ride on the road unless there is no path, or it is not practical to use the path.
For more info about ACT's rules about E-scooters, head over to the ACT City Services website.
New South Wales
NSW implemented a shared E-scooter trial scheme in July 2022 and it's expected to last for 12 months. The following rules apply when using an E-scooter in NSW:
You can only use shared e-scooters hired through an approved e-scooter provider on NSW roads or related areas, such as shared paths, in trial areas. Privately owned e-scooters are not allowed.
The minimum age for use is 16 years old. Some e-scooter shared scheme providers will only permit riders 18 years and older.
E-scooters can be ridden in bicycle lanes and paths, on shared paths and on roads with a speed limit up to 50 km/h only. It is illegal to ride e-scooters on footpaths.
When riding on a road, bicycle lane or bicycle path you must stay under 20km/h.
You must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times when riding an e-scooter.
A BAC limit of 0.05 applies when riding an e-scooter. If you are drinking, don’t ride an e-scooter.
A full, in-depth list of rules can be found on the Transport for NSW website.
Northern Territory
You can only use E-scooters in public places if they're provided by Neuron Mobility. Privately owned E-scooters can only be used on private property. To hire and ride an e-scooter, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Wear an approved bike helmet that is securely fitted
Only ride on footpaths and shared paths and bicycle lanes, unless prohibited
Keep to the left
Give way to any pedestrians.
You also must not:
Carry passengers or use a mobile phone
Have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 or more
Take them on public transport or outside of areas permitted by authorities.
A driver's licence or learner permit isn't required to use an E-scooter. However, if the aforementioned rules aren't followed then you may receive penalties including fines, demerit points, or having your licence disqualified.
For more information, head over to the NT Government website.
Queensland
A broad range of personal mobility devices or rideables - which includes E-scooters -can be used in public areas and roads in QLD. The following rules must be followed when using an E-scooter (or any rideable):
Riders must be at least 16 years of age, or 12 with adult supervision
Riders must wear an approved bicycle helmet, that is securely fitted, at all times (unless an exemption has been granted for medical or religious reasons)
Riders cannot carry passengers
Riders are not allowed to use a mobile device
No drinking and riding
Rideables must have a working, flashing or steady white light on the front, and a red light and reflector at the rear when travelling at night or in hazardous conditions.
For more information, head over to the QLD Government website.
South Australia
SA has implemented four E-scooter trials from February 2022 onwards, and all riders must adhere to the following rules:
Must be at least 18 years old
Must wear an approved bike helmet that is securely fitted
May ride on footpaths and shared paths unless otherwise prohibited
Must NOT ride on a road:
with a dividing line or median strip, or
where the speed limit is greater than 50 km/h
which is one-way with more than one marked lane
if otherwise prohibited
Must not ride in a bike lane or bus lane
Must not exceed 15km/h or a lesser speed if required in the circumstances to stop safely to avert danger
Must not carry passengers
Must not have a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.05 or more or the presence of THC (Cannabis), Methylamphetamine (Speed) or MDMA (Ecstasy) in their blood or oral saliva.
Must not use a mobile phone whilst riding.
For more in-depth information on each trial, the rules, and the penalties for breaking any E-scooter laws and road rules, head over to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport SA website.
Tasmania
From December 1, 2021, new rules for personal mobility devices (which include E-scooters and E-skateboards) were implemented. For a comprehensive list of these rules and answers to any potential questions, head over to the Transport TAS website.
Victoria
The Victorian government implemented an E-scooter trial in February 2022 and is expected to last 12 months. As for the rules of this trial, riders:
Must be at least 18 years old
Can only ride commercial hire e-scooters by approved operators
Can only ride in participating council areas
Must not ride on footpaths
Will be automatically speed limited to 20km/h
Must wear a helmet
Must not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Must not use a mobile device while riding
Must not carry passengers
Must park an e-scooter in accordance with council and operator requirements.
For more in-depth information about Victoria's E-scooter trial, the rules, and penalties for breaking said rules, head over to the VicRoads website.
Western Australia
Following feedback regarding eRideable devices (which includes E-scooters) in WA, a new series of rules have been implemented:
For more information, head over to the WA Government website.
Related reading:
If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app.
Information sourced from: ACT City Services, AFP, Transport for NSW, VicRoads #1, VicRoads #2, Department for Infrastructure and Transport SA, WA Government, NT Government, QLD Government, and Tas Government
Image credit: John Luyer at Flickr
All content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.