Navigating the legal landscape of electric scooters in Australia can be confusing. Unlike many countries with uniform national regulations, Australia leaves e-scooter rules to individual states and territories, resulting in a patchwork of different requirements depending on where you ride. This comprehensive guide breaks down the regulations across all Australian jurisdictions to help you ride legally and confidently.
Laws change frequently. This guide reflects regulations as of December 2025, but we recommend checking with your local transport authority for the most current information before riding.
Understanding the Legal Framework
In Australia, electric scooters are classified differently depending on their specifications and the state where they're used. Generally, they fall into categories based on motor power and maximum speed. Some jurisdictions treat them as "personal mobility devices" with specific allowances, while others classify them alongside bicycles or even motor vehicles.
The key factors that determine how your scooter is legally classified include:
- Motor power: Usually measured in watts (W), with most states setting limits around 200-500W
- Maximum speed: Typically limited to 10-25km/h depending on the state
- Where you ride: Footpaths, shared paths, bike lanes, and roads all have different rules
- Your age: Some states restrict e-scooter use by age
State-by-State Breakdown
Queensland
Queensland has some of Australia's most permissive e-scooter laws, having legalised personal e-scooters in 2022.
- Maximum speed: 25km/h on footpaths, bike paths, and local roads
- Motor power: Up to 500W
- Where you can ride: Footpaths (giving way to pedestrians), bicycle lanes, shared paths, and roads with speed limits up to 50km/h
- Helmet: Required (approved bicycle helmet)
- Age restriction: 12 years and older (under 16s cannot ride on roads)
- Lights: Required at night or in low visibility
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT has progressively embraced e-scooters with clear regulations for personal use.
- Maximum speed: 25km/h
- Motor power: Up to 500W
- Where you can ride: Shared paths, bicycle lanes, and roads (with some restrictions). Footpath riding permitted at reduced speeds
- Helmet: Required
- Age restriction: Under 12 requires adult supervision
- Additional requirements: Must have a working bell and lights for night riding
Tasmania
Tasmania permits e-scooters under specific conditions on public land.
- Maximum speed: 25km/h
- Motor power: Up to 600W
- Where you can ride: Footpaths (giving way to pedestrians), shared paths, bicycle paths, and some roads
- Helmet: Required
- Age restriction: 16 years and older for road use
- Note: Local councils may have additional restrictions
South Australia
South Australia legalised personal e-scooters with comprehensive regulations.
- Maximum speed: 25km/h
- Motor power: Up to 500W
- Where you can ride: Bicycle lanes, shared paths, and roads with speed limits up to 50km/h. Footpath riding at no more than 15km/h
- Helmet: Required
- Age restriction: 16 years and older for road use
- Insurance: Not required but recommended
Western Australia
WA permits e-scooters with specific regulations that differ from eastern states.
- Maximum speed: 25km/h
- Motor power: Up to 300W (stricter than most states)
- Where you can ride: Footpaths and shared paths primarily. Road riding is restricted
- Helmet: Required
- Age restriction: No specific age limit, but adult supervision recommended for children
- Note: More restrictive on power limits than other states
Victoria
Victoria's e-scooter laws distinguish between different scooter types and are more restrictive than some other states.
- Maximum speed: 20km/h
- Motor power: Up to 500W
- Where you can ride: Shared paths, bicycle lanes, and roads with speed limits up to 50km/h (in certain areas). Footpath riding generally not permitted
- Helmet: Required
- Age restriction: 18 years and older
- Note: Local council areas may have trial schemes with different rules
New South Wales
NSW has more restrictive laws compared to other states, though trial schemes exist in some areas.
- Private e-scooters: Currently limited in terms of where they can legally operate on public roads/paths outside trial areas
- Trial areas: Specific councils participate in e-scooter trials with designated rules
- Helmet: Required
- Recommendation: Check with your local council for current trial schemes and specific permitted areas
- Private property: E-scooters can be used freely on private property with permission
Northern Territory
The NT takes a relatively relaxed approach to e-scooter regulation.
- Maximum speed: 15km/h on footpaths, 25km/h on roads/bike paths
- Motor power: Up to 500W
- Where you can ride: Footpaths, shared paths, bicycle lanes, and roads with speed limits up to 50km/h
- Helmet: Required
- Age restriction: 12 years and older
- Lights: Required for night riding
Regardless of your state, three things are universally important: wear a helmet, respect pedestrians on shared paths, and ensure your scooter meets local power and speed specifications.
Common Requirements Across Australia
Despite the variations, several requirements are consistent or nearly universal across Australian jurisdictions:
- Helmets: Required everywhere for e-scooter riders
- No passengers: E-scooters are single-rider vehicles only
- No riding under the influence: Drink-riding laws apply to e-scooters
- Pedestrian priority: When on footpaths or shared paths, pedestrians have right of way
- Lights for night riding: Required or strongly recommended in all states
- Mobile phone use: Using a phone while riding is prohibited
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines for breaching e-scooter regulations vary by state but can be substantial. Common offences and approximate fine ranges include:
- No helmet: $100-$350
- Riding in prohibited areas: $100-$500
- Exceeding speed limits: $150-$400
- Riding an unregistered vehicle (where registration required): Up to $700+
- Dangerous riding: $200-$1,000+
Beyond fines, serious offences can result in demerit points against your driver's licence in some states.
Tips for Staying Legal
- Know before you go: Check local regulations before riding in a new area, especially when travelling interstate
- Check your scooter specs: Ensure your e-scooter's power and speed capabilities comply with local limits
- Use speed limiters: Many scooters have speed limiting modes—use them where required
- Document your scooter: Keep proof of your scooter's specifications in case you're questioned
- Stay updated: E-scooter laws are evolving rapidly, so periodically check for changes
Join local e-scooter community groups on social media. They're excellent resources for staying updated on law changes and understanding how regulations are enforced in practice in your area.
The Future of E-Scooter Regulation
Australian e-scooter laws are evolving as governments gather more data on safety and usage patterns. The trend across most states is toward more permissive regulations, with several jurisdictions expanding where and how e-scooters can be used. However, this is balanced by increased enforcement and potentially stricter penalties for dangerous riding.
We expect to see more standardisation across states in coming years, as well as potential national guidelines for personal electric vehicles. For now, the best approach is to stay informed about your local regulations and ride responsibly.