Electric scooters in Australia have been a growing market in recent years. However, there has been much confusion on the electric scooter laws in Australia since each state and territory impose different rules and regulations. To set things straight, this electric scooter guide will walk you through the basics that you need to know regarding the electric scooter laws for each state and territory in Australia.

Do you need a license to ride an electric scooter?

No. riders do not need a license to ride an electric scooter in Australia.

Are electric scooters legal in Victoria (VIC)?

RIDING IN PUBLIC: Yes

RIDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY: Yes

In Victoria, it’s legal to ride an electric scooter in public and on private property. However, electric scooters must meet specific limitations to ride in public. These limitations include:

• The e-scooter must not be petrol-powered.
• The e-scooter must not exceed 200 W in maximum power.
• The e-scooter must not ride above 10 km/h

Electric scooters that meet this requirement can be ridden on footpaths, shared paths, public areas, and other road-related areas. Meanwhile, e-scooters that don’t meet these requirements can only be ridden on private property.

Breaking these requirements can cost a fine of $826.

For more information on electric scooter laws in VIC, you may read the state’s rules for scooters and wheeled recreational devices.

Are electric scooters legal in New South Wales (NSW)?

RIDING IN PUBLIC: No

RIDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY: Yes

In New South Wales, it’s only legal to ride electric scooters on private property. Unfortunately, the Transport Minister did not push through with e-scooter trials in Sydney despite the National Transport Commission’s (NTC) recommendation in August 2020. So far, there’s no news regarding this development, resulting in NSW lagging behind other states.

For more information on electric scooter laws in NSW, you may read Astor Legal NSW.

Are electric scooters legal in Queensland (QLD)?

RIDING IN PUBLIC: Yes

RIDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY: Yes

It’s legal to ride an e-scooter on Queensland’s footpaths. Riders must abide by the following electric scooter rules in QLD:

• Riders are required to wear an approved helmet.
• Children under 12 cannot ride. Riders up to 16 must have adult supervision.
• Riders should give way to pedestrians.
• The average speed limit is 25 km/h. In some areas, it’s 10 km/h.

Note that QLD is the only state or territory that allows riders to travel above 10 km/h on footpaths. Breaking the rules can result in a fine of $130.

In May 2020, Brisbane extended their e-scooter trial for another 12 months, rolling out more e-scooters in the suburbs. Despite the pandemic, Lime and Neuron shared electric scooters are still in operation.

For more information on electric scooter laws in QLD, you may read the state’s rules on personal mobility devices.

Are electric scooters legal in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)?

RIDING IN PUBLIC: Yes

RIDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY: Yes

In the Australian Capital Territory, it’s legal to ride electric scooters in public and on private properties. Since 2019, the territory has legalised electric scooters on shared paths and footpaths. Riders must abide by the following electric scooter rules in the ACT:

• Riders must travel at a max speed of 15 km/h on footpaths.
• In other permitted areas, riders can travel at a max speed of 25 km/h.
• Riders are required to wear a helmet.
• Riders must slow down to 10 km/h when going across a crossing.
• Riders should give way to pedestrians.

Note that you can’t travel on roads unless footpaths are unavailable or impassable. Beam and Neuron are the available shared electric scooter platforms in Canberra.

For more information on electric scooter laws in ACT, you may read the ACT police’s road safety guide for electric scooters.

Are electric scooters legal in South Australia (SA)?

RIDING IN PUBLIC: No

RIDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY: Yes

It is illegal to ride personal electric scooters in public in South Australia. However, commuters can ride approved shared electric scooter operators in three e-scooter trial areas. These areas include Adelaide and North Adelaide, the Coastal Park Trail, and within the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters.

Riders caught with an unapproved e-scooter in public will be fined $1232.

Some of the rules when riding during the e-scooter trial include:

• Riders must be 18 years old and above.
• Riders are required to wear an approved helmet.
• Riders may travel on footpaths and shared paths unless prohibited.
• Riders must NOT ride on the road, bike lane, or bus lane.
• Riders must not use a mobile phone while riding.
• Riders can’t carry their electric scooters in public.

For more information on electric scooter laws in SA, you may read SA’s e-scooter trial laws and road rules.

Are electric scooters legal in Tasmania (TAS)?

RIDING IN PUBLIC: Yes

RIDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY: Yes

In Tasmania, electric scooters are allowed in public, but riders and e-scooter specifications must follow certain rules and limitations. These limitations include:

• The e-scooter must not exceed 200 W in maximum power.
• Riders must wear an approved helmet and follow existing road rules.
• Riders can travel on paths unless prohibited.

For more information on electric scooter laws in TAS, you may read the state's road rules.

Are electric scooters legal in Western Australia (WA)?

RIDING IN PUBLIC: Yes

RIDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY: Yes

Electric scooters are legal to ride in public in Western Australia. However, riders and e-scooters must follow certain rules and requirements. These include:

• E-scooter motor power must not exceed 200W.
• E-scooters can only travel at a max speed of 10 km/h on level ground.
• Riders are required to wear a helmet.
• Riders are required to keep left and give way to pedestrians.
• Riders cannot ride on roads with a speed limit over 50 km/h.
• Riders cannot ride on roads with a dividing line or median strip.
• Riders cannot ride on one-way roads with more than one marked lane.
• Riders cannot ride during the hours of darkness.

For more information on electric scooter laws in WA, the state’s e-scooter rules and regulations.

Are electric scooters legal in Northern Territory (NT)?

RIDING IN PUBLIC: Yes

RIDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY: Yes

Electric scooters are classified as motor vehicles in Northern Territory law. So, e-scooters must be registered to be used on roads or public spaces. Currently, the City of Darwin is running an e-scooter trial with the Neuron. During the trial, riders must comply with road rules and regulations including:

• Riders must be 18 years old and above.
• Riders are required to wear an approved helmet.
• E-scooters can ride on footpaths or shared paths unless prohibited.
• Riders must not carry the e-scooter on public transport
• Riders must not take the e-scooter outside of the trial area.

For more information on the electric scooter laws in NT, you may read the rules and regulations for the e-scooter trial.

For all the states and territories, it’s important to note that other road rules also apply to riding e-scooters. These include staying to the left, giving way to pedestrians, not using a mobile phone while riding, and not riding under the influence, among others.