Are E Scooters legal in Victoria?

Yes and No, E Scooters are legal in Victoria if they meet certain requirements such as being ridden on shared-use paths and roads up to and including 60km/h, being at least 16 years old, wearing a helmet, not traveling more than 20km/h, not using a mobile phone while riding, and not carrying a passenger

Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are becoming more popular as a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. However, not all e-scooters are legal to use on public roads and paths in Victoria. In this post, we will explain the current rules and regulations for e-scooter use in VIC, as well as some safety tips and FAQs.

Can you Ride an E Scooter in Victoria?

Its not that simple and can be very confusing for the public as E Scooter retailers sell escooter and ebike in Victoria in the thousands.

What are the rules for e-scooter use in VIC?

According to the VicRoads website¹, you can legally ride an e-scooter in Victoria if:

• You ride on shared-use paths (not on footpaths) and roads up to and including 60km/h
• You are at least 16 years old
• You wear a helmet
• You do not travel more than 20km/h
• You do not use your mobile phone while riding
• You do not carry a passenger

Additionally, your e-scooter must meet the following requirements:

• It has a maximum speed capability of 25 kilometres per hour when ridden on level ground
• It transports a person while the person is standing
• It has 2 wheels (one in front of the other)
• It has a footboard between the front and rear wheels
• It is steered by means of a handlebar
• It can be propelled by one or both of the following: one or more electric motors, person pushing one foot against the ground

If your e-scooter does not meet these criteria, it is considered an unregistered motor vehicle and cannot be ridden anywhere other than private property in Victoria. You may face fines or penalties if you ride an illegal e-scooter on public roads or paths.

What are the benefits of e-scooters?

E-scooters have several advantages over other modes of transport, such as:

• They are easy to use and park
• They do not require a driver’s license or registration
• They have low operating and maintenance costs
• They reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution
• They can save you time and energy by avoiding traffic jams and parking fees
• They can improve your fitness, posture, balance, and coordination
• They can be fun and enjoyable to ride

What are the safety tips for e-scooter riders?

To ensure a safe and enjoyable ride, you should follow these tips:

• Check the weather before riding and avoid riding in wet, snowy, or stormy conditions
• Inspect your e-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 and follow the road rules
• Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear, such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, and reflectors
• Keep your eyes on the road at all times and do not use your mobile phone or headphones while riding
• Use a warning device, such as a bell or horn, to alert other road users of your presence
• Use lights at night or in low-light conditions
• Brake gradually and smoothly and avoid sudden stops or turns
• Supervise children under the age of 12 when using an e-scooter

Conclusion

E-scooters are a great way to travel around Victoria, but they also come with certain responsibilities and risks. By following the rules and regulations for e-scooter use in VIC, you can enjoy the benefits of e-scooters without compromising your safety or others’. If you have any questions or concerns about e-scooters in VIC, feel free to contact us.

FAQs

Q: Can I ride an e-scooter on footpaths in VIC? A:

No, you cannot ride an e-scooter on footpaths in VIC. You can only ride on shared-use paths (such as bike paths) and roads up to and including 60km/h.

Q: Can I ride an e-scooter on public transport in VIC?

A: Yes, you can take your e-scooter on public transport in VIC as long as it is folded or stored securely. However, you should check with the transport operator before boarding as some may have different policies or restrictions.

Q: Can I hire an e-scooter in VIC?

A: Yes, there are several e-scooter sharing schemes available in VIC, such as Beam, Lime, or Neuron. These schemes allow you to rent an e-scooter from designated locations using an app. However, you should still follow the same rules and safety tips as if you were using your own e-scooter.

Q: How much does an e-scooter cost in VIC?

A: The price of an e-scooter varies depending on the brand, model, features, and quality. Generally, you can expect to pay between $500 to $2000 for a new e-scooter that meets the legal requirements in VIC. You can also find cheaper or more expensive options online or in stores, but you should always check the specifications and reviews before buying.

Q: Where can I buy an e-scooter in VIC?

A: You can buy an e-scooter from various online or physical retailers in VIC, such as Amazon, eBay, Kogan, JB Hi-Fi, or Harvey Norman. However, you should always make sure that the e-scooter you buy meets the legal requirements in VIC and has a warranty and customer service. You can also compare different e-scooters using our e-scooter comparison tool to find the best one for your needs and budget.

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/e-scooters-in-victoria/what-is-a-legal-e-scooter