E-scooters are now a permanent fixture on Victorian transport networks, but the State Government is warning riders that the official rollout comes with tougher penalties and a strict set of road rules.
With safety at the forefront of the new legislation, the Department of Transport and Planning, alongside the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), has launched a campaign reminding Victorians to “know the e-scooter rules and ride safely.”
Under the formalised regulations, riders must be at least 16 years of age and are required by law to wear a helmet at all times, with authorities warning that those caught riding bareheaded will be heavily fined.
Speed and location restrictions have also been firmly defined.
E-scooters are capped at a maximum riding speed of 20 km/h and can only be used on shared paths or roads where the posted speed limit is 60 km/h or less.
Furthermore, high-speed e-scooters – specifically devices capable of speeds greater than 25 km/h, are strictly prohibited from use.
The new rules explicitly target unsafe and nuisance riding behaviours.
It is illegal to ride an e-scooter on a pedestrian footpath.
Riders are also banned from using mobile phones while operating the device, riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and carrying passengers or animals in tandem.
Just like other road users, e-scooter operators are required to follow all standard traffic rules and must ensure their scooters are equipped with working lights and reflectors to maintain visibility.
For a full breakdown of the formalised road rules, as well as community language translations, residents are encouraged to scan the promotional QR codes found on state safety posters or visit the Department of Transport and Planning’s official website at transport.vic.gov.au/Road-rules-and-safety/E-scooter-road-rules.
