What is a Personal Mobility Device

What is a personal mobility device and how to use it in Queensland?

A personal mobility device is a type of vehicle that is powered by an electric motor and has one or more wheels. It can be used by one person only to travel on paths and roads.

If you are looking for a new way to get around the city, you might want to consider a personal mobility device (PMD). A PMD is a small, portable, and electric-powered device that can carry one person over short to medium distances.

PMDs include electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric unicycles, and electric bikes. PMDs are becoming more popular as people look for more convenient, fun, and environmentally friendly ways to travel.

But before you hop on a PMD, you need to know the rules and regulations that apply to them in Queensland. In this article, we will explain what a PMD is, what types of PMDs are allowed in Queensland, where you can ride them, how to ride them safely and legally, and what to look for when buying or hiring a PMD.

Types of PMDs allowed in Queensland

Not all PMDs are legal to use in Queensland. According to the current web page context, the PMDs that are allowed must:

• have an electric motor
• not be able to travel faster than 25 km/h on level ground
• have 2 or more wheels and a braking system
• have a maximum weight of 60 kg (when not carrying a person or load)
• not be wider than 750 mm and not longer than 1.2 m

Some examples of PMDs that meet these criteria are:

• self-balancing scooters (like Segways)
• self-balancing single-wheeled devices (like e-unicycles and e-boards)
• stand-up electric scooters (like Lime and Neuron)
• sit-down electric scooters (like Raine)

Some examples of devices that are not PMDs and are not allowed to use in Queensland are:

• vehicles with pedals
• motorized mobility devices (such as mobility scooters or motorized wheelchairs)
• wheeled recreational devices (such as skateboards, roller skates, and foot scooters)

Where to ride PMDs in Queensland

You can ride your PMD on footpaths, shared paths, separated paths, and some bicycle lanes in Queensland. Do not ride your PMD on roads with a speed limit higher than 50 km/h or with a dividing line. You must also not ride your PMD past a ‘personal mobility devices prohibited’ sign. Your local council or landowners may prohibit PMDs in some areas like malls, esplanades, or jetties. Please contact your local council to find out if there are any local laws that apply to the use of PMDs.

Different types of paths and lanes where you can ride:

• Footpath: A path for pedestrians only. You must give way to pedestrians and keep left of them. You must also travel at a safe distance from them so you can avoid a collision.
• Shared path: A path for both pedestrians and bicycle riders. You must give way to pedestrians and keep left of them. You must also keep left of oncoming bicycles and other PMDs. A shared path is marked by signs or symbols on the path.
• Separated path: A path that is divided into 2 sections: one for bicycle riders and one for pedestrians. You can only ride on the side that is for bicycle riders. The other side is for pedestrians. A separated path is marked by signs or symbols on the path.
• Bicycle lane: A part of the road that is for bicycle riders only. You can choose whether or not to ride in a bicycle lane. You can only ride in a bicycle lane that is physically separated from other lanes of traffic (for example, by bollards or a raised median strip) regardless of the speed of the road. You must not ride in a bicycle lane on the wrong side of the road (traveling towards oncoming traffic).

How to ride PMDs safely and legally in Queensland

When you ride a PMD, you must follow the general road rules as well as some specific rules for PMDs. Here are some of the most important rules to remember:

• You must wear an approved helmet that is securely fitted and fastened. An approved helmet means a helmet that complies with Australian Standards for bicycle helmets or motorbike helmets.
• You must not use your mobile phone while riding unless it is mounted to the handlebars for GPS navigation or as a speedometer.
• You must have an effective stopping system, a working bell or horn, and no sharp protrusions on your PMD.
• You must have a white light at the front, a red light at the back, and a red reflector at the rear of your PMD if you ride at night or in low visibility conditions.
• You must be at least 12 years old to ride a PMD. If you are under 16 years old, you must be supervised by an adult while riding.
• You must not carry another person or tow another vehicle when riding a PMD.
• You must use hand signals or indicator lights when you turn or change direction.
• You must ride as close as possible to the left side of the road or path and not overtake another vehicle on the left if it is turning left.
• You must not ride with more than 2 riders side by side unless you are overtaking another rider. You must also ride no more than 1.5 m apart if traveling beside another rider.
• You must cross the road at designated crossings, such as pedestrian crossings, bicycle crossings, or traffic lights. You must give way to vehicles and other road users before you cross. You can stay on your PMD to cross the road, but you must not ride faster than 10 km/h.
• You must park your PMD in a designated e-mobility parking area or on the kerbside, ensuring it is upright and stable and does not block the path for other users.

What to look for when buying or hiring a PMD

If you are interested in buying or hiring a PMD, you should consider the following factors:

• The type and size of the PMD: Choose a PMD that suits your needs, preferences, and abilities. Make sure it meets the criteria for PMDs allowed in Queensland. Check the weight, dimensions, speed, range, battery life, and features of the PMD.
• The cost and quality of the PMD: Compare the prices and reviews of different brands and models of PMDs. Look for a PMD that is durable, reliable, and easy to maintain. Check the warranty and after-sales service of the PMD.
• The safety and legality of the PMD: Make sure the PMD has an approved helmet, a stopping system, a bell or horn, lights, and a reflector. Make sure it does not have sharp protrusions or illegal modifications. Check the rules and regulations for using PMDs in Queensland and other places where you plan to ride.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a licence or registration to ride a PMD in Queensland?

A: No, you do not need a licence or registration to ride a PMD in Queensland. However, you must follow the rules and regulations for using PMDs.

Q: Can I ride my PMD on public transport in Queensland?

A: Yes, you can take your PMD on public transport in Queensland as long as it is folded or dismantled and does not exceed 90 cm x 70 cm x 36 cm in size. You must also ensure that your PMD does not cause inconvenience or danger to other passengers or staff.

Q: Can I ride my PMD on private property in Queensland?

A: Yes, you can ride your PMD on private property in Queensland with the permission of the owner or occupier. However, you must still wear an approved helmet and follow the safety rules for using PMDs.

Q: How can I report a problem with a hired PMD in Queensland?

A: If you have a problem with a hired PMD in Queensland, such as damage, theft, faulty equipment, or poor parking, you should contact the hire company directly. You can find their contact details on their website or app.

Q: Where can I buy or hire a PMD in Queensland?

A: There are many online and offline retailers and hire companies that offer PMDs in Queensland. You can search for them on Bing or visit their websites or stores. Some examples are:

• Raine: An Australian company that produces high-performance electric scooters with advanced features and design.
• Lime: A global company that provides shared electric scooters that can be rented through an app.
• Neuron: A Singapore-based company that operates shared electric scooters that can be rented through an app.
• Segway: A US-based company that manufactures self-balancing scooters and other personal transporters.

Conclusion

PMDs are a great way to travel around the city for fun, convenience, and sustainability. However, they also come with responsibilities and risks. You need to know how to use them safely and legally in Queensland. You also need to choose a suitable and quality PMD for your needs. We hope this article has given you some useful information and tips on what is a personal mobility device and how to use it in Queensland. If you are ready to buy or hire a PMD, why not check out some of the options we have listed above?

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