Electric scooter laws in Australia are a patchwork of state and territory regulations that can be confusing for riders. What's legal in Queensland might earn you a fine in Victoria. This comprehensive guide breaks down the current rules for each jurisdiction, helping you stay on the right side of the law no matter where you ride.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Laws change frequently. This guide reflects regulations as of January 2026, but we recommend verifying current rules with your state's transport authority before riding. Local councils may also have additional restrictions beyond state laws.
Quick National Overview
While specific rules vary, these requirements are consistent across most of Australia:
- Helmets: Mandatory in all states and territories
- Lights: Required for night riding (front white, rear red)
- Alcohol: Drink riding laws apply—don't ride impaired
- Insurance: Not mandatory but recommended
Queensland
Queensland was an early adopter of e-scooter regulation and has relatively permissive rules:
🏛️ Queensland Rules
- Maximum speed: 25 km/h
- Motor power: 200W maximum (output)
- Where to ride: Footpaths, shared paths, bike paths, local roads (under 50 km/h limit) if no path available
- Minimum age: 16 years (12+ with supervision)
- Helmet: Mandatory (approved bicycle helmet)
- Lights: Required at night
Queensland allows e-scooter riding on footpaths at a maximum of 12 km/h, making it one of the more flexible states for riders. On bike paths and shared paths, the full 25 km/h limit applies.
Key considerations: Riders must give way to pedestrians on footpaths and shared paths. Keep left on shared paths. E-scooters are not permitted on roads with speed limits above 50 km/h.
New South Wales
NSW legalised private e-scooter use in 2022, with a trial framework that has since become permanent:
🦘 NSW Rules
- Maximum speed: 25 km/h
- Motor power: 500W maximum
- Where to ride: Shared paths, bike paths, and roads with speed limits up to 50 km/h
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Helmet: Mandatory (approved bicycle helmet)
- Lights: Required at night
NSW does not allow e-scooter riding on footpaths. This is a significant difference from Queensland and some other states. Riders must use bike paths, shared paths, or roads (where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less and no suitable path exists).
Key considerations: Some local council areas have additional restrictions or designated e-scooter zones. Check with your local council for area-specific rules.
Victoria
Victoria has more restrictive e-scooter regulations compared to other states:
🏖️ Victoria Rules
- Maximum speed: 20 km/h
- Motor power: 200W maximum
- Where to ride: Shared paths, bike paths, and bike lanes on roads
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Helmet: Mandatory (approved bicycle helmet)
- Lights: Required at night
Victoria notably prohibits e-scooters on footpaths entirely and has a lower speed limit (20 km/h) than most other states. The minimum age of 18 is also higher than elsewhere in Australia.
Key considerations: E-scooters are classified as vehicles in Victoria, meaning standard road rules apply. This includes not using mobile phones while riding. Many high-powered e-scooters exceed Victoria's 200W limit and are technically illegal.
South Australia
South Australia allows e-scooter use with moderate restrictions:
🌾 South Australia Rules
- Maximum speed: 25 km/h
- Motor power: 200W maximum
- Where to ride: Footpaths (with caution), shared paths, bike paths
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Helmet: Mandatory (approved bicycle helmet)
- Lights: Required at night
SA permits footpath riding but requires riders to keep left and give way to pedestrians. The 200W power limit is relatively restrictive compared to some states.
Key considerations: E-scooters cannot be used on roads in South Australia, except to cross at intersections or when a path is unavailable. Adelaide CBD has specific designated riding areas.
Western Australia
WA has unique footpath speed requirements that differentiate it from other states:
🦢 Western Australia Rules
- Maximum speed: 25 km/h (10 km/h on footpaths)
- Motor power: 200W maximum
- Where to ride: Footpaths (10 km/h max), shared paths, bike paths, local roads in some areas
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Helmet: Mandatory (approved bicycle helmet)
- Lights: Required at night
WA's 10 km/h footpath limit is notably lower than the general limit, so riders need to moderate speed significantly when sharing space with pedestrians.
Key considerations: Some councils have designated e-scooter areas with different rules. Perth CBD has specific trial zones with their own regulations.
Tasmania
Tasmania permits e-scooters under similar rules to Queensland:
🏝️ Tasmania Rules
- Maximum speed: 25 km/h
- Motor power: 200W maximum
- Where to ride: Bike paths, shared paths, some local roads
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Helmet: Mandatory (approved bicycle helmet)
- Lights: Required at night
Tasmania's e-scooter rules are relatively straightforward, with standard requirements similar to mainland states.
Northern Territory
The NT has embraced e-scooters with permissive regulations:
🐊 Northern Territory Rules
- Maximum speed: 25 km/h
- Motor power: No specific limit stated
- Where to ride: Footpaths, bike paths, shared paths, roads in some circumstances
- Minimum age: No minimum specified
- Helmet: Mandatory
- Lights: Required at night
The NT has fewer specific restrictions than other jurisdictions, though riders are still expected to follow general road safety rules.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT allows e-scooters on paths throughout Canberra:
🏛️ ACT Rules
- Maximum speed: 25 km/h
- Motor power: 200W maximum
- Where to ride: Shared paths, bike paths, footpaths (with care)
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Helmet: Mandatory
- Lights: Required at night
Canberra's extensive path network makes it well-suited for e-scooter commuting within the rules.
Equipment Requirements
Most states require similar equipment standards:
Helmets
A properly fitted, Australian-approved bicycle helmet must be worn. Motorcycle or skateboard helmets may not meet legal requirements unless specifically approved to AS/NZS 2063 or equivalent.
Lights
When riding at night or in low visibility conditions:
- Front light: White, visible from 200 metres
- Rear light: Red, visible from 200 metres
- Reflectors: Rear red reflector (on most scooters by default)
Bells/Warning Device
Most states require a bell or other audible warning device. Even where not strictly required, it's good practice for alerting pedestrians on shared paths.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines for e-scooter offences vary by state but can be substantial:
- Riding without a helmet: $100-$350
- Speeding: $100-$500+
- Riding in prohibited areas: $100-$200
- No lights at night: $50-$150
- Drink riding: Similar to drink driving penalties
Multiple or serious offences can result in higher penalties. Some states may impound scooters for serious violations.
Stay Legal: Key Points
- Always wear an approved bicycle helmet
- Check your state's specific speed limits and where you can ride
- Use lights when riding at night
- Give way to pedestrians on shared paths
- Don't ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Check local council rules—they may vary from state laws
- Verify rules before travelling interstate
E-scooter regulations continue to evolve as governments adapt to this new form of transport. Stay informed about changes in your area, and when in doubt, err on the side of caution. Safe, legal riding helps build positive public perception of e-scooters and supports continued regulatory development.
For safety tips to complement your legal riding, see our essential e-scooter safety guide.