ANSWER – Where Can I Ride my Electric Scooter in Brisbane?
Place Name | Distance from CBD | Electric E-Scooter Hire |
---|---|---|
Eat Street Northshore | 5.5 km | Not available |
South Bank Parklands | 2.5 km | Hez Test Electric e-Bike Hire Brisbane |
City Botanic Gardens | 1.5 km | Electric Scooter Hire |
Howard Smith Wharves | 2.5 km | Not available |
New Farm Park | 3.5 km | Not available |
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park | 2.5 km | Not available |
Teneriffe and Newstead | 4.5 km | Not available |
Roma Street Parkland | 1.5 km | Electric Scooter Hire |
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail | 100 km | Brisbane Valley Bike Hire |
Moreton Bay Cycleway | 20 km | Electric Scooter Hire |
Wynnum to Manly Foreshore | 15 km | Electric Scooter Hire |
Bicentennial Bikeway | 2.5 km | Electric Scooter Hire |
Kedron Brook Bikeway | 7 km | Electric Scooter Hire |
Daisy Hill Conservation Park | 25 km | Not available |
Mount Coot-tha | 7 km | Electric Scooter Hire |
Boondall Wetlands | 16 km | Not available |
Brisbane Koala Bushlands | 12 km | Not available |
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | 13 km | Not available |
Tinchi Tamba Wetlands | 20 km | Not available |
Electric scooters are becoming an increasingly popular way to get around Brisbane. As a relatively new mode of transport, there has been some confusion around where electric scooters can be legally ridden in the city.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on where you can and can’t ride e-scooters in Brisbane.
Electric scooter laws in Brisbane
In Queensland, electric scooters are considered legal on roads, footpaths, and bike paths as long as they meet certain requirements. The Queensland government legalized the use of e-scooters in 2018 through amendments to the Transport Operations Road Use Management Act.
There are some conditions around their use:
- E-scooters must have a maximum power output of 200 watts
- Maximum speed limited to 25km/h
- They must meet national safety standards
Riders also need to follow the road rules that apply to cyclists. This includes obeying speed limits, traffic lights, stop signs, and giving way where required. Helmets are mandatory for e-scooter riders of all ages in Queensland.
Where can I legally ride my e-scooter in Brisbane?
Riding e-scooters on footpaths in Brisbane
E-scooters are permitted on footpaths in Brisbane, unless signposted otherwise. When riding on footpaths, remember to give right of way to pedestrians and ride slowly. The maximum speed is 10km/h.
Using bike lanes and paths on my e-scooter in Brisbane
Dedicated bike lanes and paths are the best place to ride e-scooters in Brisbane. You can use bike lanes on roads and separated paths through parks and along riversides. Obey any bike lane signposting and give way to cyclists.
Popular bike routes to use include the Bicentennial Bikeway along the Brisbane River and the North Brisbane Bikeway.
Is it legal to ride my e-scooter on Brisbane roads and streets?
E-scooters can be ridden on roads in Brisbane where there is a speed limit of 50km/h or less. This includes many suburban streets and minor roads. Avoid major arterials and highways wherever possible.
When riding on the road, you must follow the road rules for cyclists. This includes signaling turns, using lights at night, and riding in the same direction as traffic.
Can I ride an e-scooter in Brisbane parks?
Many parks in Brisbane permit e-scooters including New Farm Park, Roma Street Parklands and South Bank Parklands. Ride slowly and give way to pedestrians. Avoid footpaths where cycling is prohibited.
Riding e-scooters on beaches in Brisbane
E-scooters can be ridden on paved esplanades but not on the sand. Popular beach spots to ride include Redcliffe, Brighton and Sandgate foreshores.
Using e-scooters on Brisbane bridges and tunnels
Most major bridges in Brisbane allow e-scooter access such as the Goodwill Bridge, Victoria Bridge and Captain Cook Bridge. Avoid the Riverside Expressway, Gateway Motorway and Airport Link tunnel.
Where is riding e-scooters banned in Brisbane?
There are some places where e-scooter use is restricted:
- Motorways and highways – Not permitted on roads with speed limits above 50km/h
- Private property – Only ride on private land with the owner’s consent
- No scooter zones – Some areas like Queen Street Mall have restrictions
- Public transport – Cannot be taken on buses, trains, ferries or trams
Fines apply for riding e-scooters in prohibited zones.
Tips for riding e-scooters safely and legally in Brisbane
- Stick to bike lanes and paths where possible.
- Obey road rules and speed limits
- Give way to pedestrians on footpaths and shared paths.
- Wear a helmet and protective gear.
- Use a bell when overtaking on shared paths.
- Ride defensively – be aware of cars and pedestrians.
- Get lights and reflectors for riding at night.
- Keep left on footpaths and bike lanes.
- Maintain a safe speed and distance from other users.
- Be prepared to stop quickly if needed.
- Avoid reckless riding or stunts that endanger others
Summary of where I can ride e-scooters in Brisbane
To summarize, the best places to ride your e-scooter in Brisbane are:
- Bike lanes and off-road bike paths
- Roads and streets with speed limits of 50km/h or less
- Parks and foreshores that permit cycling
- Footpaths (go slow, give way to pedestrians)
Avoid motorways, highways, tunnels, bridges with no bike access. Pedestrian malls, public transport and private property without permission.
Always wear a helmet, follow road rules, go slow on footpaths and give pedestrians the right of way. Ride defensively and be respectful to others.
Hopefully this guide gives you a good understanding of where you can and can’t ride electric scooters in Brisbane. They are a fun way to get around but make sure you do so legally and safely.