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, roller skates or roller blades on public roads, footpaths or nature strips. But, you can use these on private property.

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.