E-scooter trial extended over summer

 

After a successful trial of private e-scooters over the winter period, we’re continuing to monitor the use of e-scooters in Victoria under trial conditions. Riders must adhere to strict trial rules and penalties apply to riders who breach these rules.  

E-scooter riders must: be aged 16 years and over not exceed the maximum speed of 20 km/h ride only on shared paths and roads that have a speed limit up to 60km/h or on bike or shared paths wear a helmet at all times follow traffic rules have front and rear lights if riding at night E-scooter riders cannot: ride on the footpath use a mobile phone while riding ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol carry passengers or animals or ride in tandem ride a high-speed e-scooter – one capable of more than 25km/h ride on roads that have a speed limit over 60km/h

More detail on e-scooter rules and penalties can be found at the Rules and Penalties webpage. 

To operate within a council's area, commercial e-scooter rental companies are required to have an agreement with the local council.  You can find more information at the Hire Schemes webpage. 

Like with all transport modes, use of e-scooters comes with safety risks. The trial continues to demonstrate that well-designed safety-based road rules are critical in supporting the responsible use of e-scooters on our transport network. 

We now want to test these rules when more people will be riding e-scooters over spring and summer months. 

As part of the earlier phases of the trial, we closely monitored the use of private and hire e-scooters, and worked with local councils, Victoria Police, and operators to understand how the devices were being used.

One of the benefits of regulating e-scooter use is encouraging greater responsible use.

We’ll continue to monitor and assess the use of e-scooters and make further recommendations based on trial data to address any emerging issues. 

Our focus is safety in the first instance, followed by the need to recognise this increasingly popular technology as a real transport alternative due to its convenience, ‘green’ credentials, and low cost. 

Responsible use of e-scooters can facilitate local connections; encourage active transport; connect people with other transport modes like trains, trams, and buses; and provide a greener transport option.

Safety is of paramount importance when riding an E-scooter. 

Read more about the e-scooter safety and the trial