Do You Need a License to Ride an Electric Scooter in Australia?

Do You Need a License to Ride an Electric Scooter in Australia?

Do I need a license to ride an electric scooter in Australia? In general, you do not need a license to ride an electric scooter in Australia, but different states and territories have different rules and regulations for e-scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMDs). Some places require a driver’s license, while others don’t

Electric scooters (or e-scooters) are becoming more popular in Australia as a convenient, fun, and eco-friendly way to travel short distances. They are easy to use, portable, and battery-powered, making them ideal for urban commuters and leisure riders. But before you hop on an e-scooter, you might wonder: do you need a license to ride an electric scooter in Australia?

The answer is: it depends. Different states and territories have different rules and regulations for e-scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMDs).  Rentals may require a driver’s license, while others don’t. Some places allow e-scooters on footpaths and bike paths, while others restrict them to private property. Some places have speed limits and age limits, while others don’t.

To help you understand the electric scooter laws in Australia, we have compiled a comprehensive guide that covers the requirements, road rules, and penalties for each state and territory. We have also included some tips on how to ride safely and responsibly, as well as some FAQs that might interest you.

Electric Scooter Laws by State and Territory

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

ACT legalized e-scooters and other PMDs on 20 December 2019 through amendments to the Road Transport (Road Rules Regulation 2017. E-scooters must meet the following requirements to be used legally in public:

• Uses an electric motor
• Designed for single-person use
• Must not be more than 60 kg unladen
• Includes one or more wheels
• Has a brake system
• Has a top speed of 25 km/h on level ground
• Has dimensions not more than 1,250 mm in length, 700 mm in width, and 1,350 mm in height

E-scooters can be ridden on footpaths, bicycle paths, shared paths, and the bicycle side of separated paths.

They cannot be ridden on roads or separated footpaths unless there is no footpath or it is impractical to use them. Other road rules include:

• The top speed on footpaths is 15 km/h
• The top speed on shared paths, bicycle paths, and the bicycle side of separated paths is 25 km/h
• Riders must slow down to 10 km/h when approaching or crossing a crossing
• Riders must wear helmets and have lights and reflectors for night riding or hazardous weather conditions
• The e-scooter must have a bell or other warning device
• Riders must always give way to pedestrians
• An adult must supervise riders under 12 years old
• Riders must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, use a mobile phone while riding, or carry a passenger

ACT also has two approved shared e-scooter schemes: Beam Mobility and Neuron Mobility.

These e-scooters can be rented through an app and used in designated areas. Riders must be at least 18 years old to use these e-scooters.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW does not allow e-scooters and other PMDs on public roads, footpaths, bike paths, or parks. They can only be used on private property with the owner’s consent. E-scooters are considered motor vehicles under NSW law, but they do not meet the safety standards for registration and licensing.

However, NSW is conducting trials of shared e-scooter schemes in six local government areas: City of Sydney, Inner West Council, Northern Beaches Council, Randwick City Council, Waverley Council, and Woollahra Municipal Council. These trials will run until November 2023 and will test the safety, viability, and benefits of e-scooters in these areas.

The shared e-scooters must meet the following requirements:

• Uses an electric motor
• Designed for single-person use
• Must not be more than 60 kg unladen
• Includes one or more wheels
• Has a brake system
• Has a top speed of 20 km/h on level ground
• Has dimensions not more than 1,250 mm in length, 700 mm in width, and 1,350 mm in height

Additional Information

The shared e-scooters can be ridden on footpaths (except in the CBD), shared paths, bicycle paths, separated cycleways, local streets with speed limits of up to 50 km/h (except in the CBD), and crossings where bicycles are permitted. They cannot be ridden on roads with speed limits above 50 km/h (except where there is a separated cycleway), pedestrian malls or plazas (except where bicycles are permitted), or crossings where bicycles are not permitted. Other road rules include:

• The top speed on footpaths is 15 km/h
• The top speed on shared paths, bicycle paths, separated cycleways, local streets, and crossings is 20 km/h
• Riders must wear helmets and have lights and reflectors for night riding or hazardous weather conditions
• The e-scooter must have a bell or other warning device
• Riders must always give way to pedestrians
• Riders must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit
• Riders must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, use a mobile phone while riding, or carry a passenger

Northern Territory (NT)

NT allows e-scooters and other PMDs on public roads, footpaths, bike paths, and parks. They are considered bicycles under NT law, so they do not need registration or licensing. E-scooters must meet the following requirements to be used legally in public:

• Uses an electric motor
• Designed for single-person use
• Must not be more than 60 kg unladen
• Includes one or more wheels
• Has a brake system
• Has a top speed of 25 km/h on level ground
• Has dimensions not more than 1,250 mm in length, 700 mm in width, and 1,350 mm in height

E-scooters can be ridden on any road or path where bicycles are allowed, except for freeways or roads with speed limits above 80 km/h. They can also be ridden on crossings where bicycles are permitted. Other road rules include:

• The top speed on footpaths is 10 km/h
• The top speed on shared paths, bicycle paths, separated cycleways, local streets, and crossings is 25 km/h
• Riders must wear helmets and have lights and reflectors for night riding or hazardous weather conditions
• The e-scooter must have a bell or other warning device
• Riders must always give way to pedestrians
• Riders must be at least 16 years old or supervised by an adult
• Riders must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, use a mobile phone while riding, or carry a passenger

Queensland (QLD)

QLD allows e-scooters and other PMDs on public roads, footpaths, bike paths, and parks. They are considered wheeled recreational devices under QLD law, so they do not need registration or licensing. E-scooters must meet the following requirements to be used legally in public:

• Uses an electric motor
• Designed for single-person use
• Must not be more than 60 kg unladen
• Includes one or more wheels
• Has a brake system
• Has a top speed of 25 km/h on level ground
• Has dimensions not more than 1,250 mm in length, 700 mm in width, and 1,350 mm in height

E-scooters can be ridden on any road or path where bicycles are allowed, except for roads with a dividing line or median strip, roads with a speed limit above 50 km/h, or one-way roads with more than one lane. They can also be ridden on crossings where bicycles are permitted. Other road rules include:

• The top speed on footpaths is 20 km/h
• The top speed on shared paths, bicycle paths, separated cycleways, local streets, and crossings is 25 km/h
• Riders must wear helmets and have lights and reflectors for night riding or hazardous weather conditions
• The e-scooter must have a bell or other warning device
• Riders must always give way to pedestrians
• Riders must be at least 12 years old or supervised by an adult
• Riders must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, use a mobile phone while riding, or carry a passenger

South Australia (SA)

SA does not allow e-scooters and other PMDs on public roads, footpaths, bike paths, or parks. They can only be used on private property with the owner’s consent. E-scooters are considered motor vehicles under SA law, but they do not meet the safety standards for registration and licensing.

However, SA has conducted trials of shared e-scooter schemes in Adelaide CBD since January 2019. These trials have been extended until June 2023 and will test the safety, viability, and benefits of e-scooters in the city. The shared e-scooters must meet the following requirements:

• Uses an electric motor
• Designed for single-person use
• Must not be more than 60 kg unladen
• Includes one or more wheels
• Has a brake system
• Has a top speed of 15 km/h on level ground
• Has dimensions not more than 1,250 mm in length, 700 mm in width, and 1,350 mm in height

Shared E Scooters

The shared e-scooters can be ridden on footpaths (except in Rundle Mall), shared paths, bicycle paths, separated cycleways (except in Victoria Square), local streets with speed limits of up to 50 km/h (except in Hindley Street), and crossings where bicycles are

• The top speed on footpaths is 10 km/h
• The top speed on shared paths, bicycle paths, separated cycleways, local streets, and crossings is 15 km/h
• Riders must wear helmets and have lights and reflectors for night riding or hazardous weather conditions
• The e-scooter must have a bell or other warning device
• Riders must always give way to pedestrians
• Riders must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit
• Riders must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, use a mobile phone while riding, or carry a passenger

Tasmania (TAS)

TAS does not allow e-scooters and other PMDs on public roads, footpaths, bike paths, or parks. They can only be used on private property with the owner’s consent. E-scooters are considered motor vehicles under TAS law, but they do not meet the safety standards for registration and licensing.

However, TAS is planning to conduct trials of shared e-scooter schemes in Hobart and Launceston in 2023. These trials will test the safety, viability, and benefits of e-scooters in these cities. The details of the trials are yet to be announced.

Victoria (VIC)

VIC allows e-scooters and other PMDs on public roads, footpaths, bike paths, and parks. They are considered motorized scooters under VIC law, so they do not need registration or licensing. E-scooters must meet the following requirements to be used legally in public:

• Uses an electric motor
• Designed for single-person use
• Must not be more than 60 kg unladen
• Includes one or more wheels
• Has a brake system
• Has a top speed of 10 km/h on level ground
• Has dimensions not more than 1,250 mm in length, 700 mm in width, and 1,350 mm in height

E-scooters can be ridden on any road or path where bicycles are allowed, except for freeways or roads with speed limits above 50 km/h. They can also be ridden on crossings where bicycles are permitted. Other road rules include:

• The top speed on footpaths is 10 km/h
• The top speed on shared paths, bicycle paths, separated cycleways, local streets, and crossings is 10 km/h
• Riders must wear helmets and have lights and reflectors for night riding or hazardous weather conditions
• The e-scooter must have a bell or other warning device
• Riders must always give way to pedestrians
• Riders must be at least 12 years old or supervised by an adult
• Riders must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, use a mobile phone while riding, or carry a passenger

Western Australia (WA)

WA allows e-scooters and other PMDs on public roads, footpaths, bike paths, and parks. They are considered personal transport devices under WA law, so they do not need registration or licensing. E-scooters must meet the following requirements to be used legally in public:

• Uses an electric motor
• Designed for single-person use
• Must not be more than 60 kg unladen
• Includes one or more wheels
• Has a brake system
• Has a top speed of 25 km/h on level ground
• Has dimensions not more than 1,250 mm in length, 700 mm in width, and 1,350 mm in height

E-scooters can be ridden on any road or path where bicycles are allowed, except for freeways or roads with speed limits above 50 km/h. They can also be ridden on crossings where bicycles are permitted. Other road rules include: