Yes, it is legal to ride electric scooters in Brisbane! In fact, personal mobility devices, including e-scooters, are allowed throughout Queensland. However, it’s crucial to follow specific regulations.
While riding an e-scooter doesn’t come with demerit points for rule violations, you can still face fines. These fines can be quite significant, potentially costing more than your scooter!
If you’re planning to buy an e-scooter in Brisbane, make sure to review the local laws beforehand. Being aware of the regulations will help you avoid penalties and ensure a safe, enjoyable ride.
E scooter Laws Brisbane
Things you need to know before riding an escooter in Australia
E scooter Guide for Brisbane
Minimum Age for riding an e-scooter: Brisbane
For riders aged 12 to 16, supervision is required while riding. Unfortunately, children under 12 cannot ride e-scooters at all. Knowing these rules not only ensures a safe riding experience but also helps you comply with local laws.
We offer a comprehensive guide to e-scooter regulations and a wide selection of quality e-scooters. Whether you're looking for information on e-scooter types, safety features, or the best models for your needs, you can trust us to provide reliable insights. Explore our expert reviews and make an informed purchase decision.
Helmet Use
When riding an e scooter in Brisbane, it's essential to wear a proper helmet—this isn't just a suggestion; it's the law. You can't just throw on any random helmet and hit the road. You need an Australian Standard-approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet that fits securely and is properly fastened. This means your helmet must comply with AS 2063 or AS/NZS 2063 for bicycle helmets and AS1698 or AS/NZS1698 for motorcycle helmets.
Wondering how to verify all this? We get it—navigating regulations can be a hassle. But don’t stress! All of our helmets meet these standards, ensuring you’re compliant and safe while riding. Check out the range of options available on our website, and choose the perfect helmet that fits your style and needs. With the right gear, ride smart and safe.
This video is a guide to choosing the right helmet for your needs and the level of safety you require based on the kind of rides you wish to take your e scooter out on.
When is it okay to not wear a helmet?
If you possess a doctor’s certificate indicating that you are unable to wear a helmet due to specific medical reasons or a physical characteristic that makes it unreasonable to do so, you are permitted to ride without a helmet. In this case, we kindly advise that you carry your doctor’s certificate with you while riding.
Additionally, individuals who are members of certain religious groups and wear a customary headdress, such as a turban, that makes wearing a helmet impractical are also exempt from this requirement. Your safety and comfort are important, and we appreciate your understanding of these regulations.
Top 3 Escooters for Birsbane Commutes
Brisbane's vibrant urban landscape, coupled with the city's unique terrain and traffic conditions, makes electric scooters an ideal mode of transportation. Whether you’re zipping through the city center, gliding along the Brisbane River, or navigating the hilly suburbs, electric scooters offer a convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution. Explore top-notch eScooters tailored to Brisbane’s diverse commuting needs.
Brisbane’s traffic can be notoriously slow, especially during peak hours. An eScooter allows you to weave through congested areas, saving you significant time on your daily commute. The average commuting distance in Brisbane is around 15 km, making electric scooters perfect for short to medium commutes. With models offering ranges up to 85 km, you can easily cover your journey with power to spare. From the steep slopes of Mount Coot-tha to the smooth streets of the CBD, Brisbane’s varied terrain requires a versatile ride. Our recommended eScooters are equipped to handle everything from inclines to flat urban roads.
ZERO 10X:
Power and Performance
When it comes to tackling Brisbane’s hilly terrain, the ZERO 10X Electric Scooter stands out as a top choice. This powerhouse is perfect for those living in Brisbane's more elevated areas or anyone who prefers a ride that’s both powerful and robust. With a range of up to 85 km on a single charge, the ZERO 10X is built for long commutes and weekend adventures, allowing you to explore the city without the constant worry of running out of juice. Its top speed is capped at 25 km/h, ensuring you stay within Brisbane’s road regulations while still enjoying a thrilling ride.
VSETT Mini:
Lightweight and Agile
For those navigating Brisbane’s bustling urban core, the VSETT Mini is an ideal option. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to weave through crowded streets and a breeze to store in apartments or offices. Despite its small size, the VSETT Mini packs a punch, offering a range of up to 38 km with an external battery, so you can roam the city with confidence. With its top speed capped at 25 km/h, it strikes the perfect balance between speed and safety, making it a smart choice for urban commuters.
ZERO 8 Plus:
Versatile and Affordable
The ZERO 8 Plus is the go-to scooter for Brisbane’s daily commuters who need a versatile and affordable ride. This model is practical and adaptable, designed to handle the city’s diverse road conditions with ease. With a range of up to 45 km on a single charge, it’s more than capable of handling your daily commute, plus a little extra for those spontaneous trips around the city. Its top speed is also capped at 25 km/h, ensuring a safe and efficient way to get around Brisbane.
We offer a curated selection of high-quality electric scooters designed to tackle Brisbane’s unique terrain and traffic conditions. With our expertise, top-tier customer service, and a commitment to safety, we ensure you get the best eScooter experience in the city. Explore our range today and make your Brisbane commute faster, greener, and more enjoyable!
Compulsory Equipment
The following list comprises of the most essential parts and accessories required for your e scooter to comply with the rules in Brisbane.
- Brakes: A reliable way to stop, like brakes, gears, or motor control, to keep you in control.
- Bell or Horn: If your device has handlebars, it should have a bell or horn, so you can let others know you're coming.
- No Sharp Protrusions: Your ride should be smooth—no sharp edges sticking out that could cause harm.
- Front Light: Make sure others can see you from at least 200 metres away.
- Rear Light: Stay visible from behind, also from 200 metres away.
- Rear Reflector: Helps cars spot you from 50 metres away when their headlights shine on you.
Speed Limit
- Paths
- Roads
Foot Paths
When riding your e scooter on the foothpath, you cannot go higher than 12km/h.
Shared Paths
On a path shared by pedestrians and e scooter riders, skateboarders, bike riders and others, you cannot go higher than 12km/h (unless signaled otherwise) anywhere in Brisbane.
Separated Paths
On separated paths you can ride your escooter up to 25km/h, not any higher than that, unless indicated otherwise.
Bicycle Paths
In bicycle paths, your scooter should not go higher than 25km/h.
To help you stay safe and comply with the law, all our e-scooters are limited to 25 km/h. This ensures you are within legal speed limits and reduces the risk of serious injury. The following is a description of the kinds of roads you are allowed to ride an e-scooter in Brisbane. Keep in mind the following speed limits that you need to follow.
Bike Lanes ≤ 50km/h
You cannot ride your e scooter higher than 25km/h and have to ride the speed limit under 25km/h when on a road with a speed limit of 50km/h or less.
Separated Bike Lanes
You cannot ride your e scooter higher than 25km/h and have to ride the speed limit under 25km/h when riding in bike lanes separated by bollards or physically raised dividers.
No Dividing line ≤ 50km/h
You cannot ride your e scooter higher than 25km/h and have to ride the speed limit under 25km/h on local streets with no dividing lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best e scooter for Adults Australia
Vsett scooters ar eihgh performance electric scooters trusted by adventure seekers and commutering adults alike! Check out this review for the Vsett 10+
Can I ride an e scooter along with my kid?
No more than one person should ride an escooter at once. As per the law, you cannot ride with your kid, but you can supervise them up close if it is their safety you're concerned about.
What should I do if I crash into someone with my e scooter?
If you crash into someone—whether it’s a pedestrian, another e-scooter rider, a cyclist, or a car—here’s what you need to do:
Stop and Stay at the Scene: Don’t leave the area.
Help Anyone Injured: Check if anyone is hurt and call an ambulance if needed.
Exchange Information: Share your name and address with the other person involved in the crash.
Report If Necessary: If you or the other person don’t exchange information, report the incident to the police through the Policelink website or by calling 131 444.
Call for Help in Emergencies: If it’s an emergency, call 000 for assistance.
Stay on the scene; don't try to split. Do right by whoever you hit.
Can I walk my dog while I ride the e scooter?
Both literally and figuratively speaking, you cannot walk your dog while riding an electric scooter.
Can I cross the road on my e scooter?
Yes, you can cross the road on your e scooter as long as you go under the speed limit of 12 km/h, stay aware of your surroundings, give way to pedestrians, and stop before riding across the marked crossing.
Can I ride on the opposite side of traffic to be able to see the cars around me?
If you're in the bike lane, you must not ride your e scooter on the wrong side of the road.
Disclaimer:
The content on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, the information may not be up to date. It is the reader's responsibility to verify the details. For the most current and official guidance, please refer to your city or state's relevant website.