So - if you’re here it’s most likely because you’re looking to buy a new scooter and are still not sure if you’ll actually be able to ride it. There’s no short answer to this question since scooter laws change between states and sometimes, even by city. And not only that… since it’s a new form of transportation (it’s only been around for a couple of years, unlike cars), regulations are constantly changing.
So, are Electric Scooters Legal in Australia? It depends.
In this article, we break it down and give you a high-level understanding on key restrictions in Australia’s biggest cities. Let’s dive in.
Electric Scooters: Classified as personal mobility devices
First thing you need to know—electric scooters are classified as ‘personal mobility devices’ in Australia.This is useful when you’re looking at regulations & road laws. Now, as we previously mentioned, each state has its own rules. Some states allow them on roads, some only on footpaths, and others still have trial programs in place. If we were to generalize regulations, this is what applies in most cases:
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The maximum speed limit is typically 25 km/h, but may be as low as 10 km/h on lower speed roads or areas.
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In most states, helmets are mandatory and fines are given out if you don’t use one while riding.
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When looking at regulations, be sure to specifically look for the type of scooter you’re intending to use. Some states allow rental e-scooters but still ban privately owned ones on public roads.
Now, let’s break it down by state and city.
Disclaimer: Rules and regulations can change frequently. Before using your e-scooter, always check for the latest information on official government websites. We've provided some helpful links in this article, but we cannot guarantee the information is up-to-date.
E-scooter regulations in Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast)
If you’re living in Queensland, you are one of the lucky ones because Queensland is one of the most e-scooter-friendly states. Here are the most important things you need to know:
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E-Scooters are legal: You can use them on footpaths, shared paths, and some roads.
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Speed limits: The speed limit varies depending on the type of road. 12 km/h max on footpaths and 25 km/h on bike lanes and roads.
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Minimum riding age: You must be at least 16 years old to ride an electric scooter. If you’re more than 12, but younger than 16, you can still ride an electric scooter, but with adult supervision.
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Mandatory helmet use: And let’s be honest - we would recommend using a helmet even if it wasn’t a law. Ride safe!
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Riding with care: Electric scooters are a vehicle after all, it’s prohibited to use your phone while riding.
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Safety measures: All e-scooters must have a warning bell and lights for night riding.
E-scooter regulations in New South Wales (Sydney)
Unfortunately, NSW has some of the strictest e-scooter laws, but there’s no need to lose hope, as things are changing - quickly. Here’s the most important things you need to know:
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Only rental e-scooters are allowed in public areas and not even everywhere, only in trial areas (such as Western Sydney). Privately owned e-scooters are still illegal on public roads & paths.
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The speed limit is 20 km/h on roads, and 10 km/h on shared paths.
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Helmets are mandatory - no exceptions.
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It’s prohibited to ride on footpaths, use your phone while riding, taking passengers on the scooter, and having a BAC of 0.05 or higher while driving.
There’s pressure to legalize private e-scooters, so stay tuned for updates. For updated information, we recommend you visit the Transport for NSW website.
E-scooter regulations in Victoria (Melbourne)
Good news! Victoria’s Victoria is currently trialing e-scooters, but with strict rules in place:
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Privately owned scooters are banned in public. Only rental e-scooters are permitted at this time.
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Maximum speed limit: 20 km/h
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Helmet use is mandatory - like in most cities.
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You must stay on shared paths and bike lanes, not footpaths.
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It’s prohibited to use your phone while driving, take passengers, and drive with a BAC higher than 0.05.
Victoria’s trials are ongoing, and permanent laws are expected soon. You can check the Transport of Victoria for more information.
E-scooter regulations in Western Australia (Perth)
Western Australia has progressive e-scooter laws, and the best news is that privately owned scooters are legal! Here are the highlights:
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Speed limits: 10 km/h on footpaths, 25 km/h on roads and shared paths.
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Helmet required at all times.
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Allowed on footpaths, bike lanes, and low-speed roads - low speed roads are defined as having a maximum riding speed of 50 km/h or less.
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And to no surprise, it’s forbidden to ride with passengers, use your phone while driving and to have a BAC higher than 0.05 while riding.
For more information, you can visit the Government of Western Australia website.
E-scooter regulations in South Australia (Adelaide)
Trials with strict regulations have been conducted in various cities in South Australia since 2023. New regulations are expected to be introduced this year, and we hope that they will be favorable for scooters, particularly those that are privately owned
Until then, these are still in place:
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Only rental e-scooters are allowed at this time and only in designated trial areas.
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Speed limit is set to 15 km/h max.
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Helmet required at all times.
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Make sure to stay off roads, bike lanes, or bus lanes - it’s prohibited.
The legalization of private scooters is under consideration in South Australia. Check your local regulations for updates and more information here.
E-scooter regulations in Tasmania, ACT & Northern Territory
Regulations vary between these three places. Tasmania and the ACT have fairly relaxed regulations for e-scooters, while NT has limited public use:
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In Tasmania: Private scooters are legal, the maximum speed permitted 25 km/h, helmets are a must. Learn more here.
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In ACT (Canberra): Private scooters are legal. The maximum speed allowed is 15 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h elsewhere, helmets are required.
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In the Northern Territory: Only rental scooters are legal in trial areas—private scooter use is banned in public areas. Learn more here.
So, are electric scooters legal in Australia? It depends! Some states are all-in, others are still testing the waters. If you’re thinking about getting an e-scooter, make sure you check your state and local regulations before hitting the road.
What happens if you break the law while riding an electric scooter?
Let’s be honest - you shouldn’t. But let's say it happens. Well, depending on where you are, fines can get pretty steep.
In New South Wales, riding a privately owned e-scooter in public can exceed $600— just for riding one on the street. Additional fines apply for offenses like speeding, riding without a helmet, or using a phone while riding.
In Queensland, fines are generally lower but still substantial. Riding without a helmet or speeding will result in a fine of approximately $130 each, while using a phone while riding carries a fine of over $1,000.
It's crucial to be aware of the specific laws in your area, as each state has its own regulations. You can find the most up-to-date information on fines and penalties on your state's transport website.
The Future of E-Scooter Laws in Australia
So what’s next? Are these rules going to change?
The good news is that more states are considering legalizing e-scooters (rental and private). In New South Wales, a new regulatory framework is being developed, with trials running in places like Western Sydney. If these go well, private e-scooters could be legalized across the state.
In Victoria, the government is reviewing the results of their e-scooter trials. The expectation is that they’ll follow a model similar to Queensland and legalize private e-scooters under strict regulations.
And in South Australia, legislation is in the works to allow private e-scooter use on public roads—but they’ll likely introduce similar rules on speed limits and where you can ride.
Overall, Australia is slowly moving toward wider e-scooter legalization, but with a focus on safety and regulation. So, if you’re an e-scooter rider, keep an eye on updates—because the laws today might look very different in a year or two.
Conclusion: Electric Scooter Laws Vary in Australia
Laws and regulations change from place to place, so it’s important to know your local regulations. But, there’s a couple of laws that are common to those places where scooters are allowed:
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Speed limit between 10 k/m and 25 km/h
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Wearing a helmet is a must
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No riding while using the cellphone
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No taking passengers
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No drunk driving - keep it below 0.05 BAC.
It’s all for your safety - so we recommend that you follow these general guidelines. Stay safe and use your helmet—use lights at night, obey speed limits, and be mindful of pedestrians. Just because you can ride at 25 km/h doesn’t mean you should in crowded areas.
At the end of the day, riding an e-scooter is about having fun and staying safe. Follow the rules, wear your helmet, and enjoy the ride!
