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Not sure about the road rules for electric powered scooters? We break down what's allowed in NSW.
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Growing in popularity thanks to their convenience and lowered environmental footprint1, an e-scooter is a two-wheeled, battery-powered personal mobility device designed for a single rider. Typically equipped with turning indicators, weather-proof handles and suspension systems to absorb bumps, e-scooters are available with varying range capacities, with some of the more expensive models capable of travelling up to 90km on a single charge.
Personal e-scooters can only be used on private property in NSW. It's currently illegal to use a personal e-scooter on NSW roads and road-related areas, including:
However, e-micromobility presents a huge opportunity to influence the transport network, with the potential to reduce reliance on cars for short trips and increase choice and flexibility in ways to get around. As a result, the NSW Government is working closely with NSW councils on a trial program to collect information about e-scooter demand, safety and community sentiment. The program allows users to ride shared e-scooters in select trial sites in places like Wollongong and Forster-Tuncurry.
For more information on the trial, see: NSW Shared E-scooter Trial Program
At trial sites, shared e-scooters are permitted on shared paths, roads and bike lanes with a posted speed limit of 50km/h or lower.
Riders must:
If you ride a privately owned e-scooter on a road or road-related area, penalties may apply for using an unregistered, uninsured and unlicensed motor vehicle. Fines of up to $144 (accurate at the time of publication) may also apply for:
Head over to transport.nsw.gov.au for more information on e-scooters and live trial sites.
1 Olabi, A. G., Wilberforce, T., Obaideen, K., Sayed, E. T., Shehata, N., Alami, A. H., & Abdelkareem, M. A. (2023). Micromobility: Progress, benefits, challenges, policy and regulations, energy sources and storage, and its role in achieving sustainable development goals. International Journal of Thermofluids, 17, 100292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijft.2023.100292.
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