Private E-scooters Trail in Victoria and its Rules
Electric Scooter Trial in Melbourne
The use of micromobility devices, such as e-scooters, is rapidly gaining popularity among Victorians. Despite their illegal use on public roads, the state has approximately 100,000 privately owned e-scooters. To address the growing demand for these devices, the state government has announced an extension of the e-scooter trial in metro Melbourne and Ballarat.
The trial was deemed a success, with riders and stakeholders praising the benefits of e-scooter use, including reduced emissions and congestion, increased transport connectivity, and enabling economic activity. However, concerns were raised about the safety of riders, pedestrians, and other road users.
To address these concerns, the government has introduced new regulations that apply to both privately owned and hire e-scooters during the trial period. These regulations focus on the safety of riders, pedestrians, and other road users, including rules around helmet use, riding speed, carrying passengers, and using mobile phones. E-scooters are banned on footpaths, and riders who disobey this rule will face penalties.
During the extended trial period, which will last for six months, the government will monitor how both privately owned and hire e-scooters are being used. This data will be used to inform future regulations to ensure the safe and practical use of e-scooters in the transport network.
Electric Scooters Maximum Speed in Victoria
One of the changes introduced is the reduction of the minimum age to 16 years to allow younger Victorians to use e-scooters during the trial period. However, riders must adhere to a maximum speed limit of 20km/h and are only allowed to ride on roads with a speed limit up to 60km/h, in bicycle lanes on these roads, on bicycle paths, or on shared-use paths.
The government recognizes that the safety of everyone who uses roads in Victoria is a top priority. Therefore, they will work with key stakeholders to ensure appropriate safety standards are applied to e-scooters and safety equipment. This will include addressing safety concerns related to high-speed riding, riding on footpaths, not wearing helmets, and carrying passengers.
Safe and Sustainable
The extension of the e-scooter trial in Victoria is a step towards promoting safe and sustainable transport. The government's commitment to addressing safety concerns and incorporating the data collected during the trial period into future regulations will ensure the safe and practical use of e-scooters in the transport network.
E-scooters offer numerous benefits, including reducing emissions and congestion, increasing transport connectivity, and enabling economic activity. Therefore, it is essential to ensure their safe and sustainable use in the state of Victoria.
Victoria Electric Scooters Rules
It's important to note that in order for electric scooters to become officially legal in Victoria on a long-term basis, it is crucial that all riders follow the state rules and regulations set forth by the government.
Let's take a look on some of the main rules and questions you may have right now.
Where can you ride your private e-scooter in Victoria?
- Bicycle lane and paths
- Shared-use paths (bikes and pedestrians)
- Roads with a speed limit of up to 60km/h
Where can't you ride your private e-scooter in Victoria?
- Pedestrian only footpaths
- Roads with a speed limit higher than 60km/h
- Pavements
What is Victoria e-scooters speed limit?
The speed limit in Vitoria is up to 20km/h riding on shared footpaths and public roads.
Are there any e-scooters size or weight restrictions in Victoria?
The only restriction so far is the speed limit of 20km/h. So far, no size or maximum weight will be enforced.
What are the e-scooters safety rules in Victoria?
- Always respect the speed limit of 20 km/h
- Always wear a helmet
- Don't drink and ride
- Don't use your mobile phone
- Don't carry passengers or animals
So, if you're planning to ride your electric scooter in Melbourne or any other Victoria city during the trial period, please make sure to adhere to all state rules and regulations.
Let's work together to make sure that e-scooters can become a permanent and safe addition to our transportation options in Victoria.
Source: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/e-scooters-in-victoria