ACT Electric Scooter Laws – What You Need to Know in 2023

Electric scooters are a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around, but they also come with certain rules and regulations that you need to follow. In this post, we will explain the ACT electric scooter laws and how they affect you as a rider.

What are the ACT electric scooter laws?

The ACT allows electric scooters to be ridden on footpaths, shared paths, and public roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less. However, there are some conditions and restrictions that you need to be aware of:

• You must wear an approved bicycle helmet while riding an electric scooter.
• You must not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• You must not use a mobile device while operating the scooter.
• You must have a warning device such as a bell fitted to your scooter or otherwise accessible to you.
• You must have lights and reflectors on either the scooter or your person at night or in hazardous weather conditions.
• You must not carry any passengers.
• You must give way to other pedestrians and keep to the left.
• You must supervise children under the age of 12 when using an electric scooter.
• You must not ride on roads or on-road bicycle lanes, except on residential streets where there is no footpath, or when crossing or avoiding an obstruction.
• You must not ride along the light rail corridor and you must obey pedestrian traffic lights when crossing at lights.
• The speed limit for an electric scooter on a shared footpath or cycle path is 25 km/h, 15 km/h for footpaths, and 10 km/h when at a crossing or preparing to stop.

What are the penalties for breaking the ACT electric scooter laws?

If you break any of the ACT electric scooter laws, you may face fines ranging from $120 to $600, depending on the nature and severity of the offence. You may also have your scooter confiscated by the police. Some of the offences include:

• Riding without a helmet
• Riding under the influence
• Using a mobile device
• Riding on prohibited areas
• Speeding
• Carrying passengers
• Failing to give way

How can I ride an electric scooter safely in the ACT?

Besides following the ACT electric scooter laws, there are some tips and best practices that you can adopt to ride an electric scooter safely in the ACT:

• Choose a reliable and quality electric scooter that suits your needs and preferences.
• Inspect your electric scooter before each ride and make sure it is in good working condition.
• Plan your route ahead and avoid busy roads, intersections, and areas with poor visibility or lighting.
• Ride defensively and courteously.
• Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear.

Conclusion

Electric scooters are a great way to travel around the ACT, but they also come with certain responsibilities and risks. By following the ACT electric scooter laws and riding safely and sensibly, you can enjoy the benefits of electric scooters without compromising your safety or others’. If you have any questions or concerns about electric scooters in the ACT, feel free to contact us.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a licence or registration to ride an electric scooter in the ACT?

A: No, you do not need a licence or registration to ride an electric scooter in the ACT as long as it meets the definition of a personal mobility device (PMD).

Q: Can I ride an electric scooter on footpaths in the ACT?

A: Yes, you can ride an electric scooter on footpaths in the ACT as long as you follow the speed limit of 15 km/h and give way to pedestrians.

Q: Can I ride an electric scooter on roads in the ACT?

A: Yes, you can ride an electric scooter on roads in the ACT as long as they have a speed limit of 50 km/h or less and no centre lines.

Q: Can I ride an electric scooter on the light rail corridor in the ACT?

A: No, you cannot ride an electric scooter on the light rail corridor in the ACT.

Q: Can I ride an electric scooter at night or in bad weather in the ACT?

A: Yes, you can ride an electric scooter at night or in bad weather in the ACT as long as you have lights and reflectors on either the scooter or your person.

E-scooters | Australian Capital Territory Policing (act.gov.au)