Despite the rapidly increasing popularity of electric scooters in Australia, riding one can come with hefty fines or penalties. Some states have greater restrictions on riding electric scooters than others, resulting in e-scooter riders in Australia petitioning for increased freedom to ride the convenient ride continent-wide.
But as of now, with e-scooter laws in Australia varying state by state, the laws of electric scooter riders need to be mindful about depending on the state in which they are making use of an electric scooter. Let’s look into the state by state guide to know more about e-scooter laws in Australia:
Electric Scooter Laws in the Australian Capital Territory
Electric scooter laws in the Australian Capital Territory ACT require the riders to abide by the following rules:
- Wear a high-quality approved helmet
- Stick to the bicycle side of separated paths and footpaths, shared paths, and bike paths
- Avoid roads unless there is no footpath or nature strip available
- Keep to the left
- Give way to pedestrians
- Don’t go over the speed limit, which is 25km/h on bike paths and 15km/h on footpaths, and 10km/h at crossings.
- Don’t be under the influence of drugs or alcohol when riding
- Don’t use mobile devices when riding
- Don’t carry passengers
ACT also requires children aged 12 and under to ride electric scooters under the supervision of an adult. Details of e-scooter laws in the Australian Capital Territory can be found here.
Electric Scooter Laws in Queensland
Electric scooter riders in Queensland should abide by the following rules when riding:
- Wear a correct-sized secure helmet
- Be over 16 years of age
- Don’t use smartphones or other mobile devices
- Avoid passengers
- Be sober
- Have a functioning flashlight fitted on the front of the electric scooter and a red light or a reflector at its rear if it travels at night or during rain.
- Stay on the bicycle side of the shared path
- Stay on the left side of the path
- Stop for pedestrians
- Keep a safe distance from pedestrians at all times
- Don’t over-speed
While children under the age of 16 can also ride electric scooters in Queensland, they must do so under an adult’s supervision. Click here to find further details on e-scooter laws in Queensland.
Electric Scooter Laws in Tasmania
E-scooter laws for riding e-scooters in Tasmania are as follows:
- The electric scooter should not have a motor output greater than 200W
- Wear an approved bicycle helmet
- Stay on smaller roads with a speed limit under 50km/h
- Stay away from wide roads with dividing lines and median strips
- Stay on shared paths
- Stay on the left side of the shared path
- Don’t ride at night
- Stop for pedestrians
- Prioritize pedestrians’ safety
Click here for further details on e-scooter laws in Tasmania.
Electric Scooter Laws in Victoria
As of now, e-scooter laws in Victoria don’t allow the use of e-scooters beyond private property. However, e-scooters with motor power output equal to or less than 200W and maximum speed equal to or less than 10km/h are allowed on shared footpaths and public areas.
For electric scooters with specifications that don’t fit in this strict category, riders can be fined up to AUD 1100. There can also be other penalties besides the fine. Further information regarding e-scooter laws in Victoria can be found here.
Electric Scooter Laws in Western Australia
The laws regarding e-scooter riding in Western Australia are similar to those in Victoria. E-scooters with a motor power output of 200W and 10km/h speed are not allowed in public spaces. However, an e-scooter than fit the regulated specifications can be ridden on shared paths and roads with a speed limit equal to or under 50km/h.
For further details on e-scooter laws in Western Australia, click here.
Electric Scooter Laws in Northern Territory
Restrictions on electric scooters in the Australian Northern Territory are similar to those in Victoria and Western Australia. E-scooters with a motor power output greater than 200W and speed over 10km/h require registration and license to ride.
However, though safe, electric scooters are not designed in compliance with Australian Design Rules. They are also not manufactured in compliance with national safety standards for road vehicles or registration requirements. Hence, e-scooters cannot be registered to be used on roads or public spaces, including footpaths and bicycle paths.
Click here for further details on e-scooter restrictions in Northern Territory, Australia.
Electric Scooter Laws in Southern Australia
E-scooter laws in Southern Australia are not very different from those in Northern Territory. Southern Australian authorities recognize electric scooters as motorized vehicles. Hence, they also require them to be registered and insured. Moreover, e-scooter riders also require a license to ride the compact vehicle.
More information regarding e-scooter laws in Southern Australia is available here.
Electric Scooter Laws in New South Wales
New South Wales categorizes e-scooters as foot scooters and skateboards. Hence, similar to Victoria, Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Southern Australia, New South Wales also requires registration and license to ride electric scooters.
Click here to access further information on e-scooter laws in New South Wales.
Overall, it appears that riding electric scooters in Australia in public spaces isn’t possible beyond the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, and Tasmania. But, Tasmania imposes greater restrictions on riding electric scooters than the other two states. Moreover, these states also allow only those electric scooters that fit the following criteria:
- Designed for a single-person use
- Measure 1250mm in length, 700 mm in width, 1350 mm in height or 700 mm in height, 1250mm in width, and 1350mm in height.
- Weigh under 60kg when not carrying a person
- Have no sharp or protruding parts
- Are installed with a braking system
- Are fitted with one or more wheels
- Are powered by an electric motor
- Have a maximum speed of 25 km/h
Those looking to purchase electric scooters in Australia are advised to check their local laws carefully before purchasing one. Residents of Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania should also ensure that their purchase’s electric scooter fits the requirements.
However, despite the strict electric scooter laws in Melbourne and other major cities, residents can still enjoy riding an electric scooter if they find one that fits the specifications allowed by the local authorities. Electric scooters can be a fun and convenient way to move about the city and explore its many beautiful public spaces.
