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Can E-Scooters Legally Go On The Road In Western Australia?
Yes, you can ride an e-scooter on most local suburban roads in WA with speed limits up to 50km/h. You must follow standard road rules.
What’s The Current Law On E-Scooters In Western Australia?
In Western Australia, e-scooters fall under the Road Traffic Code 2000 which categorises them as ‘wheeled recreational devices’. Key factors to note include:
- Minimum Age – Riders must be at least 12 years old. Those under 16 require adult supervision.
- Speed Limit – Maximum assisted speed of 10km/h on footpaths and 25km/h on shared paths or roads.
- Motor Power – Electric motors must be under 200 watts power output.
- Roadworthy Condition – Must have effective brakes and warning devices if riding at night.
- Helmets – No helmets are required by law, but highly recommended for safety reasons.
- Licenses – No license, registration or insurance required to ride an e-scooter.
These provide the baseline rules although some local governments impose additional conditions.
Where Can You Legally Ride E-Scooters In Western Australia?
Under the regulations, e-scooters can be legally ridden in permitted areas including:
- Footpaths – Allowed on footpaths unless specifically banned by signage. Must keep left and give way to pedestrians. Speed limit 10km/h.
- Bicycle Paths – Allowed on shared-use paths. Keep left and give cyclists adequate space. 25km/h speed limit applies.
- Local Roads – Most local streets with speed limits up to 50km/h. Must obey all standard road rules and limits.
- Private Property – Generally allowed on private land with the owner’s explicit consent. Be considerate.
Usage is often prohibited in major CBD zones and high-pedestrian activity areas for safety reasons. Always check local council area rules.
Where Is E-Scooter Use Restricted Or Banned In Western Australia?
While widely permitted, e-scooter use is restricted or completely banned in certain areas including:
- Main Roads – Not permitted on major arterial roads, highways or motorways. Too dangerous.
- CBD Footpaths – Banned on some CBD footpaths such as Hay Street and Murray Street Mall in Perth.
- Roadworks – Cannot ride through active road construction sites due to hazards.
- Public Transport – Banned on buses, trains and ferries. Foldable scooters are exempt if carried.
- School Grounds – Generally prohibited on primary and high school grounds during school hours.
- Private Property – Only allowed with explicit owner consent, otherwise can be considered trespassing.
- Pedestrian Malls – Often banned in high foot-traffic pedestrian zones such as shopping malls.
Fines of up to $50 may apply for breaching these restrictions under the Road Traffic Code 2000.
E-Scooter Road Rules And Regulations In Western Australia
When riding an e-scooter on WA roads, bicycle paths or footpaths, riders must obey the standard road rules including:
- Observing all traffic lights, signs, speed limits and other regulations.
- Keeping to the left on paths and roads.
- Giving way to pedestrians on footpaths and shared paths.
- Having proper lighting and reflectors if riding at night.
- Maintaining an effective brake system.
- Not carrying passengers or commercial goods.
Additional e-scooter specific rules include:
- One person per device only.
- No mobile phone use while riding.
- Dismounting and walking across pedestrian crossings.
Breaching any road rules on an e-scooter carries fines over $100 in WA. Always ride safely and legally.
E-Scooter Rental Schemes In Western Australia
Several operators now offer e-scooter rental services in Perth, Fremantle and other major WA population centers
- Beam – Dockless electric scooter rental via their app in selected areas of Perth.
- Neuron – Also provides e-scooter rentals in Perth CBD and nearby suburbs. Locate via their mobile app.
- Ride – Operates a scooter share scheme in Fremantle and surrounds. Unlock with their app.
- Lime – Global company with plans to launch Perth e-scooter rentals pending approvals.
These make exploring different parts of Perth and regional WA cities on e-scooters easy for locals and tourists.
Conclusion
E-scooter use on Western Australian roads, paths and spaces is widely permissible within defined limits. Responsible riding and compliance with road rules is required to ensure the safe integration of this emerging device into the transport network. With appropriate regulations, e-scooters are set to transform short-distance transportation options across WA’s urban landscape into the future.
FAQs
Can I ride an e-scooter on the road?
Yes, you can ride an e-scooter on most local suburban roads in WA with speed limits up to 50km/h. You must follow standard road rules.
What’s the minimum age to ride an e-scooter?
The minimum legal age is 12 years old. Riders under 16 require adult supervision.
Do I need a license to ride an e-scooter?
No, you do not need any license, registration or insurance to ride an e-scooter in Western Australia.
Where can’t I ride an e-scooter?
Major roads, CBD footpaths, roadworks zones, public transport, school grounds during school hours, pedestrian malls and private property without permission.
Do I have to wear a helmet on an e-scooter?
No helmet is required by law, but highly recommended for safety reasons in case of falls.
E-scooters can go on the road in Western Australia if they meet certain criteria and follow certain rules. An e-scooter must have a maximum power output of 200 watts, a maximum speed of 25 km/h, and comply with the Australian Design Rules for safety features E-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old, wear a helmet, keep left, use hand signals, and obey traffic laws. E-scooters are not allowed on footpaths, motorways, or roads with speed limits greater than 50 km/h. E-scooters are also subject to some exceptions and trials in some council areas.