E Scooter Laws In Australia
A quick look at Electric Scooter Laws in Australia.
No doubt about it! Electric scooters or e-scooters are convenient, portable, and fun to use. There’s a caveat though. In Australia, the use of e-scooters is strictly regulated. Continuous demand for, and brisk sales of these micro-mobility devices, however, should not run counter to prevailing e-scooter laws in the country which vary, from state to state.
As a prospective buyer or new owner of your chosen high-quality electric scooter brand, it pays to ask the all-important question: What are the laws governing buying, and riding, electric scooters? Are there any restrictions or none on the road, regarding access to pathways or public and main roads, etc? Are there speed limits? Ask away!
A responsible retailer giving you pointers on the electric scooter you’re considering getting is duty-bound to give you the right and correct information. Ignorance of the law does not exempt anyone. Forewarned is forearmed. Mearth, the premier manufacturer of its high-quality, top-performing electric scooter brand has been commended for not having been given reports of any violation whatsoever because the riders and owners of those electric scooters are given proper information on Australia’s present laws and rules on e-scooter riding, guidance, and tips to help keep them safe on the road.
By knowing your rights and responsibilities, along with the consequences in case the laws about electric scooters are violated, you, as the rider-cum-owner, gain full awareness of the limitations, and restrictions so you will be better informed on how to avoid mistakes. When regulations are followed it will help you evade getting penalized. This is your protection, and truly enjoy your ride, minus the headaches and anxieties of not knowing.
Each of Australia’s states has its own set of laws and regulations and they can be helpful as to how you can use e-scooter in that part or region. Here’s a summarized list of the e-scooter laws by state:
The Electric Scooter Laws in Queensland
Recommended scooter: Mearth S Electric Scooter, Mearth S Pro, Mearth RS
- With legal rights to ride an e-scooter on public roads and footpaths
- Prohibits e-scooters along the bike lanes and in areas with a 50km/h speed limit
- Standard speed limit in QLD is 25km/h
- Children under 12 cannot ride, and riders up to 16 must be supervised by an adult
The Electric Scooter Laws in Victoria
Recommended scooter: Mearth S Electric Scooter, Mearth S Pro
- 200w power output and a speed limit of 10km/h that can be used on public roads and footpaths
- Electric motor with a maximum power greater than 200 watts, or a maximum speed greater than 10 km/h
The Electric Scooter Laws in ACT
Recommended scooter: Mearth S Electric Scooter, Mearth S Pro, Mearth RS and GTS
- Allows e-scooters, skateboards, and any similar device to be legally driven on shared paths and footpaths, effective December 20, 2019
- Laws on the use of electric scooters include -- a maximum speed of 15 km/h on footpaths; up to 25 km/h in all other permitted locations; slowing down to 10 km/h when going across a crossing
The Electric Scooter Laws in NSW
Recommended scooter: Mearth S Electric Scooter, Mearth S Pro and Mearth RS
- Do not allow riding an e-scooter on public roads and footpaths
- Law permits riding it on private grounds
*Last April 2022, NSW planned to trial electric scooters in select councils with a view to making them legal this year, as it sought to improve access to active transport options. The end date for e-scooter trials is extended to spring 2022 (November – December 2022).
The Electric Scooter Laws in SA
Recommended scooter: Mearth S Electric Scooter, Mearth S Pro
- Do not allow riding an e-scooter on public roads and footpaths
- Allows riding an e-scooter on private grounds
*The South Australia state government will update its transport legislation to allow e-scooters on public grounds.
The main Electric Scooter Laws for the Trial in SA are:
- User must be at least 18 years old
- Rider must not ride in bike lanes or bus lanes
- Shall not exceed 15km/h or a lesser speed
- Must not use a mobile phone while riding
- Must not carry scooters on public transport
The Electric Scooter Laws in WA
Recommended scooter: Mearth S Electric Scooter, Mearth S Pro, Mearth RS, GTS and GTS Max
- Law in this state does not permit the use of shared paths and footpaths for e-scooters
*The Road Traffic Code 2000 also states that motorized scooters are: not allowed on roads with a speed limit exceeding 50km/h; to use a road only with a dividing line or median strip; to use a one-way road with more than one marked lane; or not allowed to ride during the night, especially in dark areas.
The Electric Scooter Laws in NT
Recommended scooter: Mearth S Electric Scooter, Mearth S Pro and Mearth RS
- Allow e-scooters that are limited to less than 200w in power output, with capable speeds below 10km/h
- Permitted for use on public roads and footpaths
*According to the V56 motor vehicles act of the NT Government, motorized scooters with a power output greater than 200 watts are defined as motor vehicles in NT Motor Vehicles Act. As motor vehicles, motorized scooters used on roads, or in public places, need to be registered, and their riders must have licenses.
The E-Scooter Laws in TAS
Recommended scooter: Mearth S Electric Scooter, Mearth S Pro
- Power limit is less than 200w for it to set foot on public roads and footpaths
- Can be used on paths and roads where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less but cannot be used on roads with dividing lines or median strips
- The use of e-scooters at night is not permitted, unless for crossing the shortest route Personal mobility devices – Transport Services
Here are other regulations you need to know:
- In ACT and Tasmania, While electric scooters are legally allowed as a cheap and efficient means of transport but they are still outlawed in NSW and South Australia.
- In Tasmania, riders are asked to wear a helmet and follow road rules with their devices and also not to have over 200W of power.
- In Victoria, e-scooters can be ridden in public as long the device isn't petrol-powered, doesn't have over 200W in power, and have a max speed of 10km/h.
- In Sydney, riders in the city of Newcastle have been approached by multiple e-scooter companies looking to launch a trial of the devices.
- Electric scooter laws in NT, SA, QLD, and WA allow riders to drive e-scooters that bear a regular driver's license.
- In ACT, NSW, TAS, and VIC however, riders must complete training and be able to meet specific requirements before they are allowed to take the micro-mobility devices for a spin outside.
Bear in mind that under the current laws, e-scooters are considered mechanically propelled vehicles, and their use is, therefore, subject to the user having a license to use them, but the Australian government is planning on regulating their use. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 took effect until or before the Dáil. (Dec 25, 2021).
Now you know e-scooters are still in a testing phase for most states here in Australia. The good news is that they have gained a significant footing in the past few years. With the convenience of e-scooters and electric bikes, it’s only a matter of time until we see more and more people using these vehicles. And the way things are shaping, the future for electric scooters certainly looks promising and bright.