Are E-Scooters Legal in Armidale?

E-scooters are legal in Armidale, but only if you hire them from Beam Mobility, the selected provider for the 12-month trial that started on 7 September 2023.

You cannot ride any privately-owned e-scooters on public roads or paths in Armidale or anywhere else in NSW

E-scooters are a fun and convenient way to get around the city.

They are also environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

But before you hop on an e-scooter, you need to know the rules and regulations that apply to them.

In this article, we will answer the question: are e-scooters legal in Armidale?

What is an E-Scooter?

An e-scooter is an electric-powered scooter that can be ridden by one person. It has two or three wheels, a handlebar, and a platform for the rider to stand on. E-scooters can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h and have a battery life of up to 40 km .

E-scooters can be either privately owned or rented through a shared scheme. A shared scheme is a service that allows users to hire e-scooters from designated locations using an app. Users can pay per ride or subscribe to a plan.

E-Scooter Trial in Armidale

Armidale is one of the latest cities in New South Wales (NSW) to launch a trial of shared scheme e-scooters. The trial started on September 7th, 2023 and will run for 12 months. The trial is supported by the NSW Government, Armidale Regional Council, and Beam Mobility.

The trial aims to provide a new mode of transport for the people of Armidale, especially for short trips under 5 km. The aim of the  trial also aims to reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and parking demand.

The trial allows users to hire e-scooters from Beam Mobility using their app. The e-scooters can be ridden across most of Armidale, including from the University of New England to the city centre The e-scooters have a maximum speed of 20 km/h on bicycle paths or roads with a speed limit up to 50 km/h and a speed limit of 10 km/h for shared paths. E-scooters are not allowed on footpaths.

Rules for E-Scooter Riders

If you want to ride an e-scooter in Armidale, you need to follow the rules of the trial. These rules are:

• You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s licence or learner’s permit.
• You must wear a helmet at all times.
• You must not ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• You must not carry passengers or use your phone while riding.
• You must give way to pedestrians and other road users.
• You must park your e-scooter in a safe and appropriate place.

What About Privately Owned E-Scooters?

While shared scheme e-scooters are legal in Armidale as part of the trial, privately owned e-scooters are not. This means that you cannot use your own e-scooter on NSW roads and road-related areas, such as footpaths, shared paths, and bicycle lanes . This is because privately owned e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles under NSW law and need to meet certain standards and requirements that they currently do not .

If you use your own e-scooter on NSW roads and road-related areas, you may face fines or penalties. For example, riding an unregistered vehicle can result in a fine of $686 .

Conclusion

E-scooters are legal in Armidale as part of a trial program that allows users to hire e-scooters from Beam Mobility. However, privately owned e-scooters are illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas. If you want to ride an e-scooter in Armidale, make sure you follow the rules of the trial and wear a helmet.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about e-scooters in Armidale:

• Q: How much does it cost to hire an e-scooter from Beam Mobility?
• A: It costs $1 to unlock an e-scooter and $0.35 per minute to ride it. You can also buy a monthly pass for $14.95 that gives you unlimited rides up to 30 minutes each .
• Q: Where can I find an e-scooter from Beam Mobility?
• A: You can find an e-scooter from Beam Mobility using their app. The app will show you the nearest available e-scooter and its battery level. You can also reserve an e-scooter for up to 10 minutes .
• Q: How do I start and end my ride?
• A: To start your ride, scan the QR code on the e-scooter using the app. To end your ride, park your e-scooter in a safe and appropriate place and tap “End Ride” on the app .
• Q: Why should I buy an e-scooter instead of renting one?
• A: Buying an e-scooter can be a good investment if you use it frequently and responsibly. Buying an e-scooter can save you money in the long run, as you don’t have to pay for hiring fees or public transport. Buying an e-scooter can also give you more freedom and flexibility, as you can use it whenever and wherever you want (as long as it is legal). Buying an e-scooter can also help you reduce your carbon footprint, as e-scooters are more energy-efficient and eco-friendly than cars.

: Source: What is an electric scooter? : Source: E-Scooter Trial for Armidale : Source: E-Scooters in NSW : Source: Beam Mobility