Though riding electric scooters might be fun, they also come with certain risks (not just to the rider but to other road and pathway users, too!). Therefore, it’s important to abide by Australian laws. With electric scooters increasing in quality and quantity, lawmakers have had to address the mode of transport. In 2021, the country has Electric Scooter Australian Laws that deal with licensing, registration, road rules, and various other aspects of riding an electric scooter.
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State/Territory Laws
First and foremost, the best way to keep updated with laws is to check with your state/territory. For example, some states require scooter riders to have a driver’s license. On the other hand, if you purchase your Ninebot Scooter from Dubitz, you might not be required to take some training before hitting the roads. Either way, whether you’re in Queensland, Western Australia, or New South Wales, make sure you understand the laws in your state or territory before riding an electric scooter in public.
It’s not just important to follow laws to remain safe, but it also ensures that you avoid penalties, fines, and accidents. All electric scooters rely on one another to have the right experience and licensing.
Safety Equipment and Power
Generally speaking, all states and territories require electric scooter riders to wear a helmet approved by a regulatory body. In this regard, it’s the same as riding a bike. What’s more, electric scooters and passenger vehicles have similar requirements when it comes to in-service requirements. What does this mean? Well, protective gear.
If you get an urge to go out riding in the evening, you’ll need to fix your electric scooter with some functioning lights and reflectors. Remember, it’s not just about keeping yourself safe while on the electric scooter. Instead, it’s about keeping all parties safe including cars, pedestrians, late-night dog walkers, and all other parties.
It’s also critical to talk about power because Australian laws cover this topic. If your scooter has an engine more powerful than 50cc, you CANNOT ride on road-assigned areas, roads, or other public areas. Likewise, you should never travel faster than 50km/h.
Insurance and License
In truth, this is where much of the confusion comes with electric scooters. Do you need a license? Do you need insurance? Do you need a motorbike license? Firstly, a driver’s license is required in the following states and territories:
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- South Australia
If you plan to ride an electric scooter in any of these territories, you will need a driver’s license. If the police stop you and you don’t have a license, you will fall foul of the law. Elsewhere, the rules are slightly different in the following territories:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Tasmania
Here, you’ll need to complete training before you can legally use an electric scooter in public. What’s more, the scooter itself will need to pass a motorcycle test. If you don’t adhere to these requirements, you could get into trouble with penalties, fines, and other punishments.
In terms of insurance, most car insurance policies do not extend to cover electric scooters, so keep this in mind. Instead, it might be wise to start a health insurance policy to cover any injuries or accidents. If you’re in any doubt, learn the laws of your state/territory and make your decision from there.
Electric scooters are extremely fun to ride, and they’re also legal as long as you follow the required laws. Why not start shopping for an electric scooter today?
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