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Are E-Scooters Legal in NSW?
Jul
There’s been an explosion in popularity in electric scooters as they’re easy to store, are 1/10th the price of electric bicycles, can offer a range of 25km, and some get top speeds of 30km/h. But the regulations and rules surrounding e-scooters can be confusing.
In NSW, the nations most highly populated state and home to the countries largest city, it’s illegal to ride an electric scooter.
The spokesperson for the Transport for New South Wales stated that rules around electronic scooters haven’t changed, despite their popularity.
“Motorised or electric scooters do not comply with vehicle safety standards and are not exempt from registration and therefore must not be used on a road or road-related area.
“Motorised or electric scooters can only be used on private property or other areas not covered by road transport law,” the spokesperson said.
“Before the regulations could be changed to allow electric scooters to be used on roads and footpaths, TfNSW must be satisfied that they do not pose a risk to their operators or other road users, especially pedestrians.
“TfNSW is considering establishing trials where the road safety risks created by electric scooters can be evaluated. Such a trial requires a considerable amount of preparation to ensure a suitable area is used, the devices are appropriate, adequate controls are put in place, and the necessary regulatory framework is established.”
Other states have already rolled out these trials and have changed laws allowing electric scooters to be ridden legally.
Queensland
E-scooters or other “rideables” with a top speed of 25km/h can be ridden by people 16+ on local streets and footpaths.
South Australia
Adelaide has created a new test trial for e-scooters. However, the law currently states that electric vehicles such as skateboards, scooters, and Segways cannot be ridden on roads or footpaths.
Victoria
Laws state that “wheeled recreational device” or an electric scooter can be ridden on footpaths, but not bike paths. However, motorised skateboards cannot be used.
Legislation should catch up with community wishes.
Totally agree, provided there are simple common sense rules there’s no reason e-scooters can’t be used on secondary roads and pathways.
Legislation should keep up with community wishes.
Electric scooters are prolific in Sydney and, are readily sold in shops obviously expecting use in the Sydney metropolitan area yet they are illegal. They have a maximum speed that is below the speed persons regularly ride pushbikes and yet pushbikes are legal. Pushbikes have no legislative framework. It is time to bring the laws around e-scooters up to date.