NSW Government moving towards legalising Escooters in the state to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion and fix the legal blind spot which makes buying escooters in NSW legal, but public use of escooters in NSW illegal, 2024.
Scooters are set to become legal in NSW, as Transport for NSW explores options to allow their use on roads and streets. The NSW Active Transport Strategy recognizes e-scooters as a safe, sustainable, and efficient solution for last-mile travel while also promoting wellbeing and environmental benefits.
“Allowing people to ride an e-scooter to the shops or nearby train stations will take pressure off our roads and reduce competition for parking. It’s a big win for everyone.”
– Jo Haylen, Minister for Transport
The key gap in the current NSW government legislation on e-scooters lies in the distinction between ownership and use. While it’s completely legal to own an e-scooter in NSW, riding it in public spaces remains prohibited. Despite this restriction, Transport Minister Jo Haylen reports that over 450,000 e-scooters are already in homes across the state, highlighting their growing popularity.
Using their 5-pronged E-Micromobility Action Plan and Draft Rules for E-Scooter Use in NSW, NSW aims to harness the full potential of e-scooters as a modern, convenient mode of transport for urban mobility.
Action Plan Steps
Consequence for the public
1. Supporting Safe and Legal Use of E-Micromobility Devices.
2. Optimising Road Space Allocation Policies.
3. Regulate e-micromobility devices.
4. Improve online marketplace regulations.
5. Expand safety standards for high-risk products.
6. Collaborate on e-micromobility standards.
7. Reform product stewardship for battery-powered devices.
8. Review workplace health and safety laws.
9. Support the development of active transport infrastructure for e-micromobility users
10. Assessing the impact on statutory insurance and potential impact on Compulsory Third Party
- Defined legal riding areas and guidelines for safer road and path use.
- Stricter safety standards for e-scooters, e-bikes, and their batteries, along with better manufacturing and maintenance protocols.
- Enhanced online purchasing safeguards and compliance with national quality standards.
- Recycling programs and improved battery handling.
Potential updates to compulsory insurance to address liability and accident compensation. - These measures aim to make e-mobility safer, more affordable, and better integrated with public transport.
Draft Rules for Escooter Use in NSW
Transport for NSW has been testing out rules as part of the Shared E-scooter Trials in NSW. Based on the trial data, independent evaluation, road safety research and insights dervied from the legislation implemented by other states and jurisdictions, the following key rules for e-scooter use in NSW have been drafted.
Any future decisions made regarding changes or finalisation of the draft rules will factor in feedback from experts and advocacy groups. All information about these has been derived from Transport for NSW.
Licence Requirements
As of November 2024, you will not be needing a licence to ride an escooter in NSW.
Insurance Requirements
As of November 2024, private e-scooter owners are not required to have insurance for their personal e-scooters. However, mandatory insurance is required for those using shared e-scooters.
Vehicle Registration
As of November 2024, you do not need to register your e-scooter.
Minimum Age to ride an escooter in NSW
As of November 2024, to legally ride an e-scooter in NSW, riders must be at least 16 years old. Except for Canberra, where the minimum age is lower, the age requirement for independently riding an e-scooter across Australia is 16.
Using escooters on footpaths: NSW
As of November 2024, In NSW, e-scooters are not allowed on footpaths unless certain exceptions apply. Only people over 16 can ride an e-scooter, and they can do so on the footpath only if they have a medical exemption or are accompanying someone under 16 who is walking, riding a bike, or using a foot scooter.
This rule is designed to keep footpaths safe for pedestrians, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly, people with disabilities, and young children.
Similar rules are in place in other regions, including Victoria, the UK, Sweden, Ireland, and Germany.
NSW: Using escooters on shared paths
As of November 2024, riders are allowed to use shared paths on their e-scooters, but they should always give way to pedestrians. E-scooters are permitted on shared paths, rather than footpaths, to help reduce the number of e-scooters on the road—a high-risk environment for both riders and other vehicles like cars, buses, and bikes. Wherever e-scooters are legally allowed in Australia, they can be used on shared paths.
Escooter speed limit on shared paths NSW
As of November 2024, the default speed for e-scooters is 20 km/h (or lower if marked) on shared paths. This encourages the use of separate bike lanes or paths away from other motor vehicles, making it safer for everyone. This speed limit is consistent with what’s in place in Victoria and similar to rules in the ACT, Tasmania, and Western Australia, where the limit is set at 25 km/h.
In busier areas or near sensitive spots like health facilities or playgrounds, local signs may lower the speed limit to keep things safer and more controlled.
Riding escooters on bicycle paths in NSW
As of November 2024, you are allowed to ride your escooter on bicycle paths, this is permitted in NSW and all other states and territories except South Australia.
Escooter speed limit on bicycle paths in NSW
As of November 2024, the speed limit for escooters on bicycle paths is the same as the shared paths: 20 km/h.
Riding Escooters on the roads in NSW
As of November 2024, you can ride your escooter on NSW roads with bike lanes or roads where the speed limit is less than 50km/h.
Escooter Speed Limit on NSW Roads
As of November 2024, while riding your scooter on roads in NSW, your speed limit cannot be more than: 20Km/h.
Escooter Speed Limit in Shared Zones
As of November 2024, while riding your scooter in shared zones, your speed limit cannot be more than: 10Km/h.
Safety Rules to Observe while Riding an Escooter in NSW
As of November 2024, it is mandatory for escooter riders to be wearing a helmet while riding. This rule is also applicable in all other Australian states and territories.
It is illegal to use hand-held devices while riding your escooter and this might be an obvious one but you can't be under the influece of drugs and alcohol. The blood alcohol concentration needs to be less than <0.05.
It is illegal to ride an escooter with another passenger on board i.e. one person per escooter.
The days when riding an e-scooter in NSW meant risking fines might soon be over, with regulatory changes finally on the horizon. For e-scooter owners, this is welcome news, signalling a long-awaited shift towards embracing this convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. And for those who have yet to invest in an e-scooter but are seeking efficient alternatives to gridlocked commutes, this is an exciting development.
Currently, the inconsistent enforcement of e-scooter usage rules has left riders in a frustrating position. Riders face fines for using e-scooters on footpaths, roads, or bike lanes, despite these devices being legally available for purchase. This lack of clarity undermines the purpose of owning an e-scooter and highlights the need for comprehensive regulations that support their legitimate use.
The anticipated changes will likely open the door for shared e-scooter services, such as Beam and Neuron, to operate in NSW. While these services offer undeniable benefits—providing accessible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly options for last-mile travel—they also present challenges. Shared e-scooters can be prone to misuse, especially when ridden by individuals under the influence, leading to safety concerns and public frustration.
For private e-scooter owners, the arrival of shared fleets introduces a different set of worries. Misuse of shared devices can tarnish the public perception of e-scooters as a whole, casting responsible private riders in an unfairly negative light. This highlights the importance of responsible usage and community awareness to foster a positive e-scooter culture.
Overall, the move towards regulating e-scooter usage in NSW is a significant step in the right direction. It underscores the state's recognition of e-scooters as a viable transportation solution and their role in reducing traffic congestion and emissions. However, the implementation of these new regulations must include robust frameworks to manage the influx of shared e-scooter companies and address potential concerns about safety and public sentiment.
The benefits of this change are clear: a greener, more efficient transportation future that aligns with modern urban needs. By approaching the transition thoughtfully and inclusively, NSW has the opportunity to set a precedent for the successful integration of e-scooters into the urban landscape.
The introduction of new e-scooter regulations in NSW naturally raises the question: Could the state follow Queensland’s lead in supporting e-scooter adoption through subsidies or rebate schemes? Queensland’s $2 million e-mobility rebate initiative has provided financial incentives for residents to purchase eligible e-scooters, making the transition to greener transport more accessible.
If NSW were to introduce a similar programme, it would align with the broader push towards sustainable commuting solutions and encourage more residents to consider e-scooters as a practical alternative to traditional vehicles. Such initiatives not only make e-scooters more affordable but also signal government commitment to reducing traffic congestion and emissions while promoting modern, efficient mobility options.
While there's been no official announcement from NSW regarding subsidies or rebates, the idea could gain traction as part of the state's broader sustainability agenda. If implemented, a subsidy programme could provide a significant boost to private e-scooter adoption, complementing the expected regulatory changes and fostering a smoother integration of e-scooters into the urban transport mix.
With the NSW government set to change e-scooter laws, there's never been a better time to embrace this exciting, eco-friendly mode of transport. At Ride Electric, we’re committed to ensuring your journey into the e-scooter world is not only seamless but also safe, legal, and supported every step of the way.
When you choose Ride Electric, you’re not just buying an e-scooter—you’re investing in quality, compliance, and care. Here’s what sets us apart:
Legal and Certified Products: We take your safety seriously. That’s why we only stock e-scooters that meet legal requirements and are authorised for sale in Australia. You can ride confidently, knowing your purchase complies with current and evolving regulations.
Expert Servicing and Repairs: Our talented mechanics at fully equipped workshops are here to keep your ride in top condition, providing everything from routine tune-ups to major repairs.
Comprehensive Maintenance and Diagnostics: From optimising battery performance to replacing tyres, we ensure your e-scooter operates at peak efficiency for the long haul.
Warranty Coverage You Can Trust: All e-scooters purchased through authorised Australian dealers come with warranty protection against defects in materials or workmanship, so you’re covered from day one.
With the anticipated changes to NSW laws, Ride Electric stands ready to guide you towards the perfect e-scooter to meet your commuting or recreational needs. Our dedication to quality, legality, and customer care makes us the go-to choice for those who value reliability and peace of mind.
Get ready to ride into the future with Ride Electric—your trusted partner for legal and expertly supported e-scooters.
DISCLAIMER:
The information shared about e-scooters and their legal use in NSW is based on reliable sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accurate reporting and interpretation, Ride Electric cannot guarantee the information is free from errors or omissions. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify the rules and regulations independently through official government resources.
Please note that the details in this blog post are for informational purposes only, are subject to change without notice, and should not be considered as legal advice.
This information has been sourced from:
Transport for NSW