Victoria Announces Legalisation Of E-Scooters
Late in March, the Victorian government announced that it is extending its e-scooter trials to allow the use of private electric scooters on public roads. We’ve joined forward-thinking states such as Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, and this is a huge step for us.
While this is a 6-month trial, we’re confident this change will stay, but there’s some work to do to make sure the government continues to see the value e-scooters present Victorians the Victorian economy.
Let’s take a look at what this change means for you.
First Off, What’s Changed?
Up until April 5th, privately owned electric scooters were banned state-wide through a contradictory set of laws designed to govern motor vehicles. If the motor was over 250W, e-scooters had to be registered, but because they don’t have compliance plates, they couldn’t be registered. Only rental e-scooters were legal, and private e-scooters were limited to use on private property only.
From April 5th, some privately-owned electric scooters will be legal on public roads. Here’s how that is going to work.
Where is The Trial Taking Place?
Unlike the rental scooter trial, which is limited to specific council regions, private electric scooters will be legal to use on public roads across the whole state of Victoria.
Where Can You Ride?
E-Scooters will be legal to ride on:
- roads with a speed limit of 60 kph and under,
- bicycle lanes,
- shared footpaths (where pedestrians bikes are allowed),
Do You Have To Wear a Helmet?
Yes. Asides from being generally good advice for riding any sort of personal transport, it is a legal requirement to wear a helmet. The majority of serious e-scooter injuries are caused because of crashes in which the rider was not wearing a helmet. You may have an awesome hairdo, but suck it up and wear a lid.
Can You Drink Ride?
Just like any other form of transport, stay off the sauce other narcotics if you’re riding. You have a significantly greater chance of causing or being involved in an accident, and if you get caught riding under the influence, you could still lose your license to drive.
Can I Carry Passengers?
No passengers allowed. Most e-scooters are only rated to effectively carry between 100. 130 kg of weight, and going over that is a great way of cooking the motor. Asides from that, it throws off your balance and is really unsafe as a result. Maybe get your friend to buy their own e-scooter instead.
Can I Ride On Pavements?
Pavements will be off limits for e-scooters. Safety is paramount with electric scooters, so you won’t be able to ride down pavements or through pedestrian-only areas.
Using Phones While Riding
Similar to cars and bikes, you won’t be able to use your phone or mobile devices while riding. This is a little different from having a phone in a e-scooter phone cradle. This refers to actually having your phone in your hand, or interacting with it in any way while riding.
Is There a Speed Limit?
Riders must respect a state-wide speed limit of 20 kph when riding on public roads and shared footpaths. Of course, scooters used on private land don’t have to adhere to this speed limit.
Are There Any Restrictions On The Scooters Themselves?
At the moment, the only restrictions placed on the actual scooters themselves is that they can’t be capable of going more than 25 kph. It’s not clear how this will be enforced or measured, but there are a handful of e-scooters that can be factory-locked to limit their speed to 25kph such as the Segway range of e-scooters.
At the moment, this is the only restriction.
Take a look at our recommendations of e-scooters you can buy right now from Electric Kicks that’ll get you around without issue.
Ride Safe
Safety is a priority for Electric Kicks, the Victorian government, and the majority of our e-scooter riders. E-Scooters can be a lot of fun, but they serve a wider purpose in our society. Following the rules is a great way of keeping you safe, and maintaining the safety of others around you. Wear your helmet, respect speed limits, ride sober, stay off your phone, and don’t carry passengers.
A safe e-scooter ride is a good e-scooter ride.
What E-Scooters Can I Ride?
Here are the e-scooters from our inventory that meet all the legal requirements for use in Victoria:
Segway-Ninebot F65
Top Speed: 25 kph (factory locked)
A comfortable and well-built ride that includes front rear indicators. Excellent value for money, and will meet the needs of most urban commuters.
Segway-Ninebot G65
Speed: 25 kph (factory locked)
One of Segway’s newest e-scooters, and the first of the Ninebot Max range to incorporate front rear suspension. Self-healing tyres, a high rider weight limit and a more stable ride make this a very solid e-scooter for getting around town.
Segway-Ninebot P65
Price: 1,899 (factory locked version)
Speed: 25 kph (factory locked)
The P65 is an excellent scooter. It looks great. It handles well. It has a bunch of technology that makes you go ooh, that’s cool. We love it. So will you.
Segway-Ninebot P100
Price: 2,799 (factory locked version)
Speed: 25 kph (factory locked)
To date, the P100 is our favourite e-scooter. It has everything you get on the P65 mentioned above, plus it comes with front rear suspension, making it an incredibly comfortable ride.
Segway-Ninebot F40
Speed: 30 kph (can be locked to 25 kph)
The F40 has been a staple of our e-scooter range since it launched. It’s an excellent introduction to e-scooters at an amazing price. Lightweight and easy-to use, it goes great when combined with public transport to get around town.
The Responsibility Is On Us
Like most things, there will always be a select group of dckheads that ruin the fun for everyone else. We’ve all seen them. Riding without a helmet. Breaking the speed limit while terrorizing pedestrians on narrow pavements. Carrying passengers while over the limit, or riding with one hand. This is inevitable and these fun-wreckers will continue to ride amongst us.
Victoria, it’s time to come together and show our government that the vast majority of us are responsible enough to make this change work long term. As a segment of society, most of us ride respectfully safely, and can be trusted to promote the safe integration of e-scooters into our wider society.
It’s taken us a while to get here. Don’t fck this up.
⚡ Legalise E-scooters NSW есть на Чтобы связаться с ⚡ Legalise E-scooters NSW, войдите в существующий аккаунт или создайте новый.
⚡ Legalise E-scooters NSW есть на Чтобы связаться с ⚡ Legalise E-scooters NSW, войдите в существующий аккаунт или создайте новый.
We encourage you to voice your opinions to the current Transport NSW minister here: https:// www.nsw.gov.au/ nsw-government/ ministers/ minister-for-tra nsport-and-road s
Protest action: 11am, 31 July 22, walking our e-scooters and signs from Belmore park near Central station to Town Hall. https:// wwwcom /events/ 744607850117374
It’s pure revenue raising that in 2021 NSW remains one of the last places on Earth where e-scooter/PMD riders can get fined 2.5k for just riding an E-scooter at 25km/h on open bikeways or footpaths.
Tom O’Neill ⚡ Legalise E-scooters NSW
Hi everyone, Tom O’Neill here from Electric Riders Australia, the peak body advocating for legalisation of our devices. I have been meeting with MPs such as the one seen in this post to make the case for … Ещё legalisation. Please Like and Follow our and Instagram pages to show your support for this, I have a few more lined up in the coming weeks. If you have any questions, reach out and our team look forward to getting this done!
Electric Riders Australia
Along with Ming from Mearth and Ride Hub Australia, we met up with Tim James MP to discuss the legalisation campaign. Tim was supportive of new methods of active transport, Australian business such as Mearth and supports the ability for private owners to ride our devices! Thank you Tim for your support!
Gazza Steyn ⚡ Legalise E-scooters NSW
Still trialling hire schemes…!? How does that work for everyday commuters who want a dependable and available transport system? Also, do they share helmets, or is hygiene control unimportant? This keeps going … Ещё in circles while avoiding private ownership. Our regulators won’t allow it until they devise a scheme to capitalise on this new transport medium permanently. In the meantime, we’re also holding back an integral green energy transport solution! Remember, we’ve been using bicycles forever, so you’re not working with infants here!
YouTube.COM
Homebound on my electric scooter. #electricscooter #dragonraptor #australia #pinoy #sydney
On this video join me as I ride my scooter, Dragon Raptor, on my way home. This is a 4km ride from work to home. Mostly bike tracks through the parks and som.
Stefs DotSite ⚡ Legalise E-scooters NSW
Georges River Council now has blood on its hand by not implementing bike ways in one of Sydney’s busiest food delivery suburbs. ♂️ SafeCommuter.org Report Path, Bikeway Road Hazards
Georges River and Surrounds. Local News and Alerts
HURSTVILLE | Cyclist Dies Following Crash
A man has died following a crash in Sydney’s south.
About 6pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 June 2023), emergency services were called to Elizabeth Street near The Avenue, … Ещё Hurstville, following reports of a crash between an electronic bicycle and car.
Bystanders rendered aid to the rider – a 54-year-old man – before the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.
Officers from St George Police Area Command established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The 17-year-old driver of the car was not injured; she has undergone mandatory testing at St George Hospital.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Electric scooters legalised
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The push to educate the public with privately owned electric scooters set to be legalised
The government is set to extend the e-scooter trial for another six months later today, with privately owned e-scooters legalised and the legal riding age reduced from 18 to 16 years old.
Stephen Coulter, founder of Zipidi, a consultancy group on transport matters such as e-scooters and e-bikes, is on board with lowering the legal riding age and believes this a good time for the government to educate the public.
“While they’ve been illegal, there’s been no government education on the riding rules for privately owned e-scooters, now we’ve got the opportunity to educate the market,” Mr Coulter told Neil Mitchell.
Press PLAY to hear his views on e-scooters push to educate the public
Councilor Nicholas Reece, Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne, also believes e-scooters are good for the community, but measures do need to be in place.
“I think the private e-scooters are a positive thing as long as they’re properly policed and the proper safety rules are in place,” Councilor Reece told Neil Mitchell.
Press PLAY to hear why the Deputy Lord Mayor supports e-scooters wants he wants done
eScooter Laws and Regulations In The USA
1 Комментарии и мнения владельцев
Don’t worry if you are confused about the laws surrounded electric scooters – it seems much of North America is too, including lawmakers themselves. Even the naming is confusing – just to be clear when this article refers to electric scooters we mean what are also known as kickscooters and not the small step-thru motorbike type objects that can also be referred to as scooters.
Electric scooters have taken the US by storm, having gone from rarity to reality over the last few years, especially public share rentals run by the likes of Bird, Lime and Spin. But these are rentals specifically authorized, usually by particular city authorities, that only authorize the deployment and use of that particular company’s electric scooters.
Rules and regs around use of your own electric scooter need local research to make sure you comply with the law
But what about if you fancy the convenience of owning and using your own electric scooter where you live or work? Unfortunately, the state of electric scooter law is only just beginning to emerge in the United States and varies from state to state and even city to city. But before we take a look at different regulations on electric scooters across the US and Canada and look at the most commonly asked questions about them lets get an overview of federal legislation.
Federal Consumer Law – Safety Standards
Actually there isn’t any Federal Law specifically on electric scooters – The Consumer Product Safety Act of 1972 was amended by Congress in 2001 so there is now a national definition of e-bikes in the US as they are classed as ‘a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of fewer than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph (i.e., a low-speed electric bicycle).’
The above doesn’t tell you where the e-bike can be used, it only gives a legal definition of it. Since then People for Bikes has done brilliant work lobbying for the three-class law now adopted by 28 states across the US which does tell e-bike riders where they can ride along and states have also legislated on a host of other issues for e-bikes like whether helmet use and insurance are also mandatory – clearly many of the legal issues relating to e-bike use also relate to electric scooters. Electric scooter law hasn’t got to this stage as electric scooters are not included in the Consumer Product Act – in other words there are no nationally prescribed legal safety standards. However there is a voluntary codes (in addition to some state and local laws) – the most prominent voluntary safety standard for electric scooters is devised by US company UL. This standard tests and evaluates electrical and fire safety aspects of e-scooters and similar devices such as hoverboards but doesn’t really address mechanical or operational safety.
The American Society for Testing and Materials announced that its Consumer Products Subcommittee on Powered Scooters and Skateboards (F15.58) would bring stakeholders together to discuss and develop a proposed standard on electric-powered scooters that would establish performance requirements and corresponding test methods to minimize common potential hazards associated with electric scooters.
(Thanks to this Crowell Moring article at Lexology which was used to research much of the above section.)
Despite this lack of federal guidance on manufacturing and performance standards, some US states clearly have made an effort to bring their laws up to date with the event of electric scooters on the ground. This NCSL article tells us that as of January 2020, 21 states have enacted laws defining e-scooters and distinguishing them from mopeds and other vehicles requiring registration and insurance.
States With The Clearest eScooter Legislation
It’s fair to say that some states have been quicker than others to pick up on the electric scooter trend and to legislate for it so that people know how and where they can use e-scooters. Let’s take a look at what some US states legislate regarding e-scooters – if your state isn’t covered the listings provide a good guide to the areas you should be researching for your own state and locality.
Some states have no specific e-scooter laws but class them as motor vehicles, for example as mopeds, This can entail requirements for insurance and licencing but it may well in practice prove impossible to obtain such things. All of which throws into relief the impressive efforts the following states have made to clarify the legal position of e-scooters and so facilitate their daily use.
California
California has well-documented e-scooter laws
California was one of the first states to respond to the e-scooter craze and the California Vehicle Code has quite a lot to say about them.
Max Speed Most states set their e-scooter speed limit at 20 mph a few going for 15mph and California is in the latter camp. CVC §22411 regulates e-scooter speed and going over it can result in a 250 ticket.
Helmets Mandatory? For under 18s only
Where are they Allowed? E-scooters must be ridden in bike lanes (or bikeways, bike paths, bicycle paths etc) whenever one is available.
The law only allows for 4 exceptions to riding in a Class II bike lane:
- While passing another vehicle or pedestrian,
- When completing a left hand turn,
- To avoid debris or other hazards in the bike lane, or
- When turning right.
They are expressly prohibited from sidewalks and crosswalks.
You cannot operate a motorized scooter on a highway with a speed limit in excess of 25 miles per hour unless the motorized scooter is operated within a Class II or Class IV bikeway, except that a local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, authorize the operation of a motorized scooter outside of a Class II or Class IV bikeway on a highway with a speed limit of up to 35 miles per hour. The 15 mile per hour maximum speed limit for the operation of a motorized scooter specified in Section 22411 applies to the operation of a motorized scooter on all highways, including bikeways, regardless of a higher speed limit applicable to the highway.
Do I Need A Licence and How Old Must I Be?
Operators must be at least 16 years old and have a driver’s license or learner’s permit. Tickets for contravening this are usually around 200.
E-scooters though are exempt from registration, and license plate requirements, and, for those purposes, says the vehicle code ‘a motorized scooter is not a motor vehicle’.
What Equipment Should the eScooter Have?
- A lamp emitting a white light which, while the motorized scooter is in motion, illuminates the highway in front of the operator and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the motorized scooter.
- A red reflector on the rear that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle
- A white or yellow reflector on each side visible from the front and rear of the motorized scooter from a distance of 200 feet.
Note the front light and rear reflector can be substituted for suitable rider-worn ones.
Effective brakes are mandatory.
Other Rules to Note
CVC §21228 forces E-scooters to turn left by:
- Stopping after the intersection on the right curb,
- Dismounting, and
- Crossing the roadway on foot.
These rules are meant to prevent scooter accidents.
CVC §21221 makes specific mention of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drunk E-scootering can lead to a DUI charge, as well as a traffic ticket of around 350.
Michigan
Is this an electric skateboard? It is in Michigan, apparently…
Michigan laws are perhaps more typical of how many state laws for electric scooters are arrived at – rather by default through a lack of laws directed at electric scooters, so that they are actually caught by laws aimed at other vehicles. In Michigan’s case they are caught by 2018 legislation enshrined in Michigan’s Vehicle Code apparently aimed at electric skateboards!:
‘An electric skateboard “means a wheeled device that has a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding that is no more than 60 inches long and 18 inches wide, is designed to transport only 1 person at a time, has an electrical propulsion system with power of no more than 2,500 watts, and has a maximum speed on a paved level surface of not more than 25 miles per hour. An electric skateboard may have handlebars and, in addition to having an electrical propulsion system with power of no more than 2,500 watts, may be designed to also be powered by human propulsion.’ (MCL 257.13f)
The 2.5kw seems insanely generous and the 25mph limit pretty generous too, but what about other regulations?
Helmets Mandatory? According to Michigan electric scooter laws, only a scooter or electric skateboard operator who is under 19 years of age must “wear a crash helmet on his or her head.” (MCL 257.658(4))
Where are they Allowed?
Electric scooters are allowed on public roads but must do the following:
- Drive as far to the right side of the road as possible.
- Not ride more than 2 abreast.
- Use a designated path when required by a local ordinance to do so.
- Not pass between lanes of traffic. (MCL 257.660(1), (2), (3) and (4))
Unusually you can ride on a sidewalk but must “yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian” and you must “give an audible signal before overtaking and passing the pedestrian.” (MCL 257.660(5)
Do I Need A Licence / Insurance and How Old Must I Be? It appears licences and insurance are not needed as only vehicles defined in Michigan’s No-Fault auto insurance law must be covered by licencing and car insurance. Electric scooters do not meet the definition of a “motor vehicle”.
Is there an age limit for riding on electric scooters? Yes. Under Michigan electric scooter laws, kids under 12 cannot ride an electric scooter or electric skateboard “on a public highway or street.” (MCL 257.658(9))
According to Michigan electric scooter laws a person driving an electric scooter or an electric skateboard on a public road must do the following:
- Drive the electric scooter as far to the right side of the road as possible.
- Not ride more than 2 abreast.
- Use a designated path when required by a local ordinance to do so.
- Not pass between lanes of traffic. (MCL 257.660(1), (2), (3) and (4))
What Equipment Should the eScooter Have?
If riding on the road between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise then you must have a white-light, front lamp that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a rear, red reflector or a rear, red-light lamp visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear…” (MCL 257.662(1))
Whatever the intention of the 2018 lawmakers it appears they have created some of the most liberal electric scooter laws in the US, be it by accident or not…
Note Michigan Auto Law’s help notes on this subject were used to research the above.
Indiana Illinois
Indiana has Lead the Way in the eScooter Mid-west and Illinois Looks Like it Will Follow
Indiana’s main e-scooter legal provisions, according to Avnet Law, are:
- You CANNOT ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk, Cultural Trail or any of the Greenways.
- You must ride the electric scooter on the street, following all normal traffic laws, including:
- You can ride in the bike lane;
- You cannot travel the wrong way on a one way street
- Operators must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license, instruction permit, or State identification card.
- You can ride anywhere you can ride a bicycle, such as bicycle lanes and bicycle paths – the Illinois law will give the electric scooter operator “all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the rider of a bicycle;
- E-scooters will have to have lamps and reflectors for use at nighttime and require brakes.
New York City
New York state has had a turbulent history when it comes to explicit bans of various kinds of electric micromobility. However, as of 2020, riders can once again operate electric scooters that can travel up to 20 mph on the streets of NYC, granted that they’re over 16 years old and wear helmets if they’re under 18.
Main rules and regs are now include the following:
- E-scooters must weigh less than 100lbs
- They can be used on roads with posted limits of 30mph or less and on greenways and bike paths (New York State has over 1200 miles of multi-use trailsand these can be used by e-scooters unless locally disallowed). They can’t be used on sidewalks unless locally authorised
- If under 18 helmet wearing is mandatory
- Local municipalities can opt out / disallow e-scooters
Town and City Jurisdictions
Do always check both your state and local regulations – local regulations can vary state laws on e-scooters or in some cases they can choose to ban them altogether as has happened in places such as Beverley Hills or Bossier to give just two examples amongst many.
Learn The Laws Before You Ride
While some states are to be commended in clarifying the lines on what is and isn’t allowed on an escooter, not all 50 states have reached the same level yet. Do some research at the state, county, and local level before you rent or purchase a scooter of your own. If the laws aren’t clearly defined, see if you can reach out to your legislators or any local groups advocating for clear laws to be made. As always, remain safe above all else, and have fun while you ride!