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Can Electric Scooters Be Ridden on Footpaths in Melbourne?
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in Melbourne, and many people are wondering whether they can be ridden on footpaths in Melbourne. In this article, we will explore the legality of riding electric scooters on footpaths in Melbourne, the relevant laws and regulations, and the potential risks and benefits of doing so.
Legal Status of Electric Scooters in Melbourne
According to the Victoria Police , electric scooters can be legally ridden 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.
- You do not carry a passenger (dinking).
It’s important to note that a legal e-scooter is defined as a vehicle designed for use by one person and:
- Has a maximum speed capability of 25 kilometres per hour when ridden on level ground.
- Transports a person while the person is standing.
- Has 2 wheels (one in front of the other).
- Has a footboard between the front and rear wheels.
- Is steered by means of a handlebar.
- Can be propelled by one or both of the following:
- One or more electric motors.
- Person pushing one foot against the ground.
An e-scooter that falls outside the scope of this definition is considered an unregistered motor vehicle and is liable to significant penalties. In particular, the e-scooter must not exceed the maximum speed capability of 25 kilometres per hour.
Footpath Riding
The rules for riding electric scooters on footpaths in Melbourne are clear: it is illegal . According to VicRoads , electric scooters may be ridden on footpaths, shared paths, and some roads only if they have a top speed of 10km/h on level ground, about double the speed of a brisk walking pace, and have a power output of no more than 200 watts. Higher-powered or faster e-scooters must not be ridden on roads or footpaths.
Offending while riding an e-scooter may result in loss of any driver licence or permit held. Victoria Police may enforce laws including:
- Unlicensed riding.
- Unregistered motor vehicle.
- Failing to wear a helmet.
- Riding on a footpath.
- Careless riding.
- Using a mobile phone while riding.
- Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To enforce these laws, Victoria Police can:
- Stop riders and require them to state their name and address.
- Require the rider to undergo alcohol and drug testing.
- Impound privately owned e-scooters if relevant offending is identified.
- Impose on-the-spot fines if offending is identified.
- Issue charges to appear before a court if offending is identified.
- Issue an immediate driver licence ban if offending is identified.
Risks and Benefits of Footpath Riding
While it may be tempting to ride an electric scooter on a footpath, it’s important to consider the potential risks and benefits of doing so. Some of the benefits of footpath riding include:
- Avoiding traffic congestion.
- Saving time and money on transportation.
- Reducing your carbon footprint.
However, there are also several risks associated with footpath riding, including:
- Collisions with pedestrians.
- Collisions with other vehicles.
- Uneven surfaces and obstacles on footpaths.
- Reduced visibility and awareness of surroundings.
It’s important to weigh these risks and benefits carefully before deciding whether to ride an electric scooter on a footpath in Melbourne.
Benefits of Electric Scooters
Electric scooters offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive mode of transportation. Some of the key benefits include:
- Convenience: Electric scooters are lightweight and easy to use, making them a convenient option for short trips around the city.
- Affordability: Electric scooters are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain, making them an affordable option for many people.
- Environmentally friendly: Electric scooters produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles.
- Reduced traffic congestion: By using electric scooters, riders can help reduce traffic congestion on busy city streets.
- Improved health: Riding an electric scooter is a great way to get some exercise and improve your overall health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electric scooters can be legally ridden in Victoria on shared-use paths and roads up to and including 60km/h. However, it is illegal to ride an electric scooter on a footpath in Melbourne. While footpath riding may offer some benefits, it also comes with several risks that should be carefully considered. If you do decide to ride an electric scooter, make sure to follow all relevant laws and regulations to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
FAQS
- Q: Can I ride an electric scooter on a footpath in Melbourne? A: No, it is illegal to ride an electric scooter on a footpath in Melbourne. According to VicRoads, electric scooters may be ridden on footpaths, shared paths, and some roads only if they have a top speed of 10km/h on level ground and have a power output of no more than 200 watts.
- Q: What is the legal status of electric scooters in Melbourne? A: According to the Victoria Police, electric scooters can be legally ridden in Victoria if you ride on shared-use paths (not on footpaths) and roads up to and including 60km/h. You must be at least 16 years old, wear a helmet, and not travel more than 20km/h .
- Q: What are the benefits of riding an electric scooter? A: Electric scooters offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive mode of transportation. Some of the key benefits include convenience, affordability, environmental friendliness, reduced traffic congestion, and improved health .
- Q: What are the risks associated with riding an electric scooter on a footpath? A: Some of the risks associated with footpath riding include collisions with pedestrians, collisions with other vehicles, uneven surfaces and obstacles on footpaths, and reduced visibility and awareness of surroundings .
- Q: What are the penalties for offending while riding an electric scooter? A: Offending while riding an e-scooter may result in loss of any driver licence or permit held. Victoria Police may enforce laws including unlicensed riding, unregistered motor vehicle, failing to wear a helmet, riding on a footpath, careless riding, using a mobile phone while riding, and riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs .