E-scooters

E-scooters

From July 2022, electric scooter shared schemes are being trialled in NSW. Riders in trial locations can hire and ride electric scooters (e-scooters). Whether you're riding, driving or walking, it's important to look out for each other during the trial.

We'll evaluate and monitor the trial, which is planned to last for 12 months.

Personal e-scooters remain illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas, including footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes.

You can only use these on private property.

 

Wollongong trial

  • The Wollongong e-scooter trial will start on 29 September, 2023.
  • As part of the trial, you will be able to ride a shared e-scooter supplied by the selected provider, Neuron Mobility, on designated shared paths and roads.
  • You can only use shared e-scooters hired through the selected e-scooter provider on selected roads, bike paths and shared paths, in the trial area.
  • Privately owned e-scooters are not allowed on NSW roads or road related areas (including in the trial area).
  • You must be 16 years old and over to use the trial’s shared scheme e-scooter.
  • You are limited to riding at 10km/h on shared paths and 20km/h on the road.
  • Full trial rules and tips are explained below.

Armidale trial

  • The Armidale e-scooter trial starts on 7 September, 2023.
  • As part of the trial, people will be able to ride on a shared e-scooter supplied by the selected provider on designated shared paths and roads. The Towards Zero website shows a map of the trial area. 
  • You can only use shared e-scooters hired through the selected e-scooter provider on shared paths, in trial areas. Privately owned e-scooters are not allowed on NSW roads or road related areas (including in trial areas).
  • You must be 16 years old and over to use the trial’s shared scheme e-scooters.
  • You are limited to riding at 10km/h on shared paths and 20km/h on the road.
  • Full trial rules and tips are explained below.

Lake Macquarie trial

  • The Lake Macquarie e-scooter trial started on 5 December 2022. As part of the trial, you'll only be able to ride e-scooters supplied by selected providers on designated shared paths. These shared paths have signs and/or pavement markings showing a pedestrian and a bicycle.
  • E-scooters aren't permitted on the road or footpaths
  • You must be 16 years old and over to use the trial’s shared scheme e-scooters
  • You must not exceed 10km/h on shared paths. The e-scooters provided in this trial will be limited to this maximum speed on shared paths
  • They are available for use on 4 tracks only in Lake Macquarie:
    • the Fernleigh Track
    • the Croudace Bay foreshore
    • the Warners Bay foreshore and up to Glendale
    • the Toronto foreshore to Fassifern train station.

E-scooter Shared Scheme Trials were run in the Western Sydney Parklands and Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan from the end of July 2022 to the end of October 2022.

Trial rules and tips

  • You can only use shared e-scooters hired through an approved e-scooter provider in trial areas. Privately owned e-scooters aren't allowed on NSW roads or related areas (including in trial areas).
  • You must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times when riding an e-scooter.
  • You must use the e-scooter lights when riding in darkness or hazardous weather conditions.
  • A BAC limit of 0.05 applies when riding an e-scooter. If you're drinking, don’t ride an e-scooter.
  • E-scooter riders are subject to the same drug driving offences as motor vehicle drivers. You can't have illicit drugs present in your system or ride while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
  • If you're caught drink or drug riding, serious penalties apply and you may face consequences for your driver’s licence.
  • You don't need a driver’s licence to ride an e-scooter.
  • Always wear brightly coloured clothing so other road users can see you easily.
  • Ride predictably and indicate clearly so other people know  your intentions.
  • Shared e-scooter scheme operators are required to have appropriate insurance cover for their devices. You may consider insurance for personal injury or property damage but this is not a trial requirement.

Tips for bicycle riders

  • When overtaking e-scooters, please ensure it's safe to do so and leave enough space.
  • Look out for e-scooter riders when riding in bicycle lanes, and on share paths.

      Tips for pedestrians

      • Remember to always keep an eye out for e-scooter riders by checking before crossing the road, bicycle lanes and on shared paths.
      • E-scooters aren't allowed to ride on the footpath.

      E-scooter offences that may apply

      Offence

      Fine

      Ride a privately owned e-scooter on road or related area

      Penalties may apply for being an unregistered, uninsured and unlicensed motor vehicle

      Ride an e-scooter hired through a share scheme outside trial area

      $120

      Ride on road with speed limit over 50 km/h

      $120

      Ride on footpath

      $120

      Ride an e-scooter not in single file on roads

      $120

      Ride e-scooter whilst under minimum age of 16 years

      $120

      Exceed maximum operating speed limit of 20km/h

      $120

      Carry passengers

      $120

      Riding whilst under the influence of alcohol

      The same penalties that apply to motorists apply to e-scooter riders during the trial. Find drink driving penalties on the NSW Government website.

      Riding whilst under the influence of a drug (other than alcohol)

      The same penalties that apply to motorists apply to e-scooter riders during the trial. Find drug driving penalties on the NSW Government website.

      Use mobile phone whilst riding

      $362

      Fail to wear helmet

      $362

      Ride at night without appropriate lights and reflector

      $120

      For more information

      E-bikes

      E-bikes and petrol-powered bicycles requirements in NSW.