"Electric Scooter, Skateboard & Bike Laws in Australia: What You Need to Know" 🚦⚡

Navigating Electric Mobility Laws Across Australia: E-Scooters, E-Skateboards, and E-Bikes

As electric mobility devices like e-scooters, e-skateboards, and e-bikes gain popularity in Australia, it's essential to understand the varying regulations across different states and territories. Here's a comprehensive overview to help you ride responsibly and legally.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• E-Scooters & E-Bikes: Legal on footpaths, shared paths, and bicycle paths. Riders must wear helmets and adhere to a speed limit of 25 km/h on bike paths and 15 km/h on footpaths.

• E-Skateboards: Currently not classified as personal mobility devices, making their use in public spaces illegal.

New South Wales (NSW)

• E-Bikes: Permitted if they comply with the European standard for power-assisted pedal cycles (EN15194), featuring a motor output of up to 250 watts that cuts out at 25 km/h. Traditional power-assisted pedal cycles with a motor output not exceeding 200 watts are also allowed.

   

• E-Scooters & E-Skateboards: Generally prohibited on public roads and footpaths, except in specific trial areas. Riding privately owned e-scooters in public spaces remains illegal.

   

Victoria

• E-Bikes: Legal if they meet the European standard (EN15194) with a motor output of up to 250 watts. Traditional models with motors not exceeding 200 watts are also allowed.

   

• E-Scooters: Use on public roads and footpaths is restricted, except in designated trial zones.

• E-Skateboards: Not permitted on public roads or footpaths.

Queensland

• E-Bikes: Riders can use models with a maximum motor output of 200 watts or compliant pedelecs with up to 250 watts.

   

• E-Scooters: Legal on footpaths and bike paths, with a speed limit of 25 km/h. Helmets are mandatory.

• E-Skateboards: Allowed on footpaths and shared paths, adhering to the same rules as e-scooters.

South Australia

• E-Bikes: Permitted under similar conditions as other states, following the 250-watt European standard or the 200-watt limit.

• E-Scooters & E-Skateboards: Generally prohibited on public roads and footpaths, except in sanctioned trial areas.

Western Australia

• E-Bikes: Legal if they comply with the national standards.

• E-Scooters: Permitted on footpaths and shared paths, with a maximum speed limit of 25 km/h. Riders must wear helmets.

• E-Skateboards: Usage in public spaces is currently illegal.

Tasmania

• E-Bikes: Allowed under the national standards.

• E-Scooters: Legal on footpaths and shared paths, with speed limits of 15 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h on other paths. Helmets are required.

• E-Skateboards: Not permitted in public areas.

Northern Territory

• E-Bikes: Permitted following national guidelines.

• E-Scooters & E-Skateboards: Regulations are less defined; riders should consult local authorities for current rules.

General Safety and Legal Requirements

• Helmets: Mandatory across all states and territories for all electric mobility devices.

• Alcohol and Drug Laws: Riders are subject to similar regulations as motor vehicle drivers, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05 in most states.

   

• Speed Limits: Vary by state and device type; always check local regulations.

• Device Specifications: Ensure your device complies with power output and speed restrictions as defined by local laws.

As regulations can change, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest rules in your area. Always consult local transport authorities or official government websites before riding your electric mobility device in public spaces.

Note: This information is current as of March 2025