Scooters & wheeled recreational devices

Wheeled recreational devices cannot be:

• used on separated bicycle paths, but can be used on footpaths 
• used on roads with dividing lines or median strips
• used on roads with a speed limit of more than 50 km per hour 
• used on the road at night, except to cross the road, e.g. at an intersection. This rule does not apply to scooters provided other rules for scooters are followed
• towed or used in the slipstream of another vehicle
• used where there is a 'No Wheeled Recreational Devices or Toys' sign.

You are not allowed to use motorised skateboards on public roads or road related areas including footpaths or nature strips. 

What is a wheeled recreational device?

Wheeled recreational devices include:

• scooters 
• skateboards
• roller blades
• roller skates.

Wheeled recreational devices don't include:

• bicycles 
• golf buggies
• prams
• strollers
• trolleys
• wheelchairs (see our Pedestrians page)
• wheeled toys
• scooters that are a motor vehicle (a motor with an output of 200 watts or more).

Scooter riders must:

• follow the rules for wheeled recreational devices 
• wear an Australian Standards approved bicycle helmet
• ride with at least one effective brake on their scooter
• ride with a bell or horn on their scooter
• at night have a
  
  • white light (flashing or steady) on the front
  • red light (flashing or steady) on the back
  • a red reflector on the back.

What is a foot scooter?

A foot scooter:

• has two or three wheels 
• has a footboard between the front and back wheels
• is steered by handlebars
• may or may not have a seat
• is moved by pushing one foot against the ground.

What is a motorised scooter?

A motorised scooter:

• has the same features as a foot scooter 
• is moved by pushing one foot against the ground, by an electric motor, or by a combination of both
• has an electric motor with a maximum power output of 200 watts or fewer
• is not able to travel faster than 10 km/h when ridden on level ground.

Your motorised scooter is classed as a motor vehicle if it:

• is powered by a petrol motor 
• has a maximum power of more than 200 watts
• can go faster than 10 km/h.

If your motorised scooter is classed as a motor vehicle it can only be used on the road if it is registered and the rider has a motorcycle licence or learner permit. But, you can use it on private property.