Comprehensive Guide to Electric Scooter Laws in Australia 2022

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Electric scooters are affordable two-wheelers that give users a fun and exciting ride. Compared to other automobiles, the innovation comes with minimal risks. The accident rate from Varla all terrain electric scooters come in Australia was negligible this past year. 

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However, without rules, there would be chaos in a place, and everybody might get hurt. Hence, the laws govern the use of electric scooters regardless of how safe they are. Scooterists should familiarize themselves with the dual motor electric scooter laws of whichever city or state they ride. The reason is that rules differ from state to state, and applying a rule that worked in state A for state B can get you in serious trouble with the authorities. 

Here in Australia, we have six federated states and three internal territories. The laws governing the use of electric scooters for adults differ for each. The difference in these laws might be minute, but it can cost you a lot for flouting. 

Summarised Electric Scooter Laws in Australia by State

This section will dive deep into the dual motor electric scooter rules that guide Australia’s states and territories. Identify your area and where you would be using your all terrain electric scooter, and get familiar with the applicable laws.

Laws in New South Wales

In New South Wales, the law considers electric scooters for adults as foot dual motor electric scooters and skateboards. As a result, to ride a dual motor electric scooter in New South Wales, you must register and obtain a license, like in Victoria, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Southern Australia. Currently, NSW prohibits using electric scooters on sidewalks and public roadways. However, it’s legal on private property.

The state government has established a commuter scooter working group to provide trial programs and assist in deciding the future of electric scooters for adults in the area. A ride-sharing firm for long range electric scooters has organized a campaign asking participants to urge the government to launch a trial for shared all terrain electric scooters. The outcome of this event is futuristic.

Laws in Queensland

In Queensland, dual motor electric scooter riders must be older than 16 and use a safe, properly-sized helmet when riding. You must also avoid using cell phones or other devices and stay sober. Queensland also prohibits scooterists from picking up passengers along the way. Using the electric scooter at night or when it rains requires a working flashlight mounted on the front and a red light or a reflector at the back. You must remain to the left of the path and use the shared path’s bicycle side at all times. Be mindful of pedestrians and always maintain a safe distance from them. If you are below 16, you must ride under adult supervision.

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Laws in South Australia

South Australian law prohibits using a dual motor electric scooter on sidewalks and public highways. On private property, however, riding is permitted by law. Thankfully, all terrain electric scooters will soon be allowed on public property due to a recent amendment to South Australia’s transportation laws. You would be required to pay a $1232 fine for operating an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle in South Australia, and the same goes for long range electric scooters. Riders must also be 18 years old and wear a fitted bike helmet. Do not use bicycles and bus lanes; never go faster than 15 km/h. Before you make a complete stop, lower your speed level slowly to avoid the danger of a crash. Using a phone while riding is prohibited, and you cannot use your fastest electric scooter on public transportation.

Laws in Tasmania

In Tasmania, you must ensure the motor output of the electric scooter should be at most 200W at any given time. Use an authorized bicycle helmet, avoid wide roads with dividing lines and median strips, and stick to more minor, slower-moving routes with speed limits under 50 km/h. Always keep to shared pathways and stay to the left side. Night driving is not allowed in Tasmania, so you must ensure you run all your errands before nightfall. Pedestrian safety comes first and so be mindful of them while riding.

Laws in Victoria

In Victoria, the law permits a 200w power output from your motor. It also allows for a 10 km/h speed limit on sidewalks and public roadways. No precise rules are outlined about the standards to be followed, although the Victorian state government established regulations for particular dual motor electric scooter types. You might get in trouble if the commuter scooter’s electric motor has a maximum power of 200 watts and a top speed greater than 10 km/h.

Laws in Western Australia

Similar to Victoria, Western Australia has regulations governing the use of e-scooters. E-scooters with a 200W motor and a 10 km/h top speed are prohibited in public areas. On shared pathways with a speed restriction of 50 km/h or less, you may use a Escooter that complies with the regulations. Helmets are a must for riders when the roads have a speed restriction of more than 50 km/h. With a median strip or dividing line, on one-way streets with more than one defined lane; or when it is not yet bright.

Summarised Electric Scooter Laws in Australia by Internal Territories

Different laws govern the use of electric scooters for adults in the three internal territories in Australia. Keep them at your fingertips if you ride a commuter scooter in these regions.

Laws in the Australian Capital Territory

Riders of electric scooters for adults in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) must use an approved, high-quality helmet and keep on the bike side of all shared, shared-use, and divided walkways and paths. Always maintain your left and allow pedestrians to move freely. Do not exceed the posted speed limits of 25 km/h on bike routes, 15 km/h on pathways, and 10 km/h at intersections. As with every driving law, avoid using drugs or alcohol before or while riding. Do not use electronic devices when riding in the ACT; desist from transporting people. Children under the age of 12 must ride electric scooters under the supervision of an adult, according to ACT.

Laws in Jervis Bay Territory

In Jervis Bay Territory, a person on a wheeled recreational device like a dual motor electric scooter is considered a pedestrian. E-scooters are allowed on footpaths unless they are forbidden by signage. Nonetheless, riders must stay to the left and give way to other pedestrians. Riders of e-scooters must use the path designated for bicycles and ride only during the daytime. In Jervis bay, you cannot use dual motor electric scooters on one-way streets with more than one defined lane, with a speed restriction higher than 50 km/h.

Laws in Northern Territory

Australian Northern Territory regulations on electric scooters are comparable to those in Victoria and Western Australia. E-scooters with a motor output of more than 200W and a top speed of more than 10 km/h need to be registered and have a license before you can ride. Since electric scooters’ designs do not follow the national safety regulations for motor vehicles in Australia, they cannot be registered on public pathways.

Conclusion

Electric scooters are safe and convenient for commuting in Australia, and Varla launches escooters in the Australian market. However, there must be binding rules for using these scooters to ensure law and order on the roads. Having a street-legal escooter means you can ride in any country, provided you stick to the statutes highlighted above. Always remember that there are other road users, and you want to ensure everyone is safe while commuting. Keep these rules handy, and have fun riding!


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