Riding Electric Scooters In Australia: Rules and Safety Guidelines

Electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation in Australia, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban areas. However, the regulations governing their use can vary significantly across the country. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the rules for riding electric scooters on roads and footpaths, injury statistics, personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations, licensing requirements, age limits, and regional variations in regulations.

Rules for Riding on Roads and Footpaths

General Guidelines: Electric scooters, often referred to as e-scooters, have specific rules that riders must follow to ensure safety and compliance with local laws. These rules can vary between different states and territories.

1. Road Usage:
   • Local Roads: In most states, e-scooters are allowed on local roads, but riders must adhere to road rules similar to those for bicycles. This includes riding as far left as practicable, using bike lanes where available, and obeying the road rules; riders should understand the same rules that would be required to pass a motorbike DKT.
   • Motorways and Highways: E-scooters are generally prohibited on motorways, highways, and other high-speed roads. These roads pose significant safety risks due to the high speed of other vehicles.
2. Footpaths and Shared Paths:
   • Footpaths: The rules for riding on footpaths vary by state. For example, in Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), e-scooters are permitted on footpaths, provided riders travel at a safe speed and give way to pedestrians. In contrast, New South Wales (NSW) prohibits e-scooters on footpaths.
   • Shared Paths: E-scooters are allowed on shared paths in most states, where they must yield to pedestrians and ride at a controlled speed.

Injury Rates and Safety

Electric scooters have been associated with a number of injuries. In Australia, hospital data indicates a growing number of admissions due to e-scooter accidents. According to a study published in 2021, there were approximately 1,800 e-scooter-related injuries treated in Australian hospitals in a single year. More statistics are available here, and it seems that the trend of injuries is rising steadily.

Common injuries include fractures, head injuries, and soft tissue damage. The majority of these accidents are caused by falls, collisions with vehicles or pedestrians, and loss of control due to road or path conditions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

While specific PPE requirements can vary by state, there are general recommendations to enhance rider safety:

1. Helmet: Wearing a helmet is mandatory in most states, including Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries.
2. Gloves: Gloves are recommended to protect hands from abrasions and impacts, and to improve grip on the handlebars.
3. Hi-Vis Vest: High-visibility vests are recommended, especially for riding in low-light conditions, to make riders more visible to other road users.
4. Knee and Elbow Pads: These pads offer additional protection against falls and collisions.

Licensing and Age Limits

Licensing requirements for e-scooters vary by state, but generally, no specific license is required to ride an e-scooter. However, age restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of younger riders:

1. Minimum Age: Most states set a minimum age for riding e-scooters. For example, Queensland and Victoria require riders to be at least 16 years old, or 12 years old if supervised by an adult. NSW mandates a minimum age of 16 for private e-scooters.
2. Adult Supervision: Younger riders, particularly those under 16, should be supervised by an adult to ensure safe riding practices.

Riding with Passengers

Riding with passengers on an e-scooter is generally prohibited across all states. E-scooters are designed for single riders, and carrying additional passengers can significantly affect the scooter’s balance and control, increasing the risk of accidents.

State-Specific Regulations for using E-scooters

1. New South Wales (NSW): NSW has stricter regulations compared to other states. E-scooters are not permitted on public roads or footpaths, and can only be used on private property.
2. Victoria: Victoria allows e-scooters on shared paths and bicycle paths, but not on footpaths. Riders must be at least 18 years old.
3. Queensland: Queensland permits e-scooters on footpaths and shared paths. Riders must be at least 16 years old, or 12 years old if supervised by an adult.
4. South Australia: South Australia has a trial period where e-scooters can be used on footpaths and shared paths in certain areas.
5. Western Australia: Similar to Queensland, e-scooters are allowed on footpaths and shared paths, with a minimum age of 16.

Riding an electric scooter in Australia requires awareness of the specific rules and regulations that apply in each state. Adhering to these rules, using recommended PPE, and understanding the potential risks and safety measures can help ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Whether for commuting or leisure, following these guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.