Victoria e-scooter trial: surging use raises questions about laws, regulations and fines

They were once a novelty, but now e-scooters are a common sight on paths and streets in cities across Australia.

Across the world, cities are grappling with how to balance the convenience e-scooters provide for travel with the very real safety concerns they present.

At least two people were killed and more than 400 people were admitted to hospital in e-scooter-related incidents in Victoria in 2021. Recent emergency department data suggests injuries continue to rise, with helmet non-use and drinking under the influence commonly reported. With that in mind, it’s important to understand and respect the e-scooter rules for everyone’s safety.

You don't need a driver’s licence to ride an e-scooter, but your licence can be cancelled or suspended for misconduct such as drink or drug-driving infringements, which carry the same penalties as motorists.

What are the e-scooter rules?

• Always wear a helmet
• Be at least 16 years old
• Travel at a safe speed
• Only ride on roads with a speed limit of 60km/h or less
• Ride in bike lanes or on shared-use paths – no riding on footpaths
• Do not exceed 20km/h on shared paths or pedestrian areas; on roads speed limits up to 25 km/h
• Use lights at night or in low light
• No passengers or double riding
• Do not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Ride single file
• Be respectful to other riders and pedestrians
• Comply with all traffic rules

E-scooter offences and penalties

The current law governing e-Scooters in Victoria (both privately owned and those for commercial hire) is the Road Safety Road Rules 2017 (Vic) and subsequent amendments govern e-scooter use.

Since October 2024, e-scooters have been permanently legal in Victoria. Private e-scooters may be used statewide on approved roads and shared paths; hire e-scooters remain limited to participating council areas.

Regulations are enforced by Victoria Police.

It is important to get up to speed with the rules before heading out. Below are some e-scooter-specific offences:

Note: Fine amounts are subject to annual indexation. Riders can also be fined for multiple offences at once.

What happens if I’m injured or hurt someone else?

A key area of concern, especially when sharing a road or path with other vulnerable users such as pedestrians and cyclists, is what happens if you are involved in an accident.

Under the permanent e-scooter scheme, commercial operators such as Neuron and Lime continue to offer third-party and public liability insurance to riders in approved council areas.

Riders are excluded from cover if they are in breach of local rules, the terms of service or the riding rules – which include if a rider fails to wear a helmet or is over the alcohol limit.

Injury risks and wearing a helmet

While e-scooters are a convenient way to travel, they carry real risks of injury.

Before you ride:

• Check your brakes and lights work properly
• Make sure your helmet fits securely
• Avoid riding at night or in wet conditions if you’re inexperienced

Check your local council rules for the area where you ride, as some councils may impose additional restrictions. 

E-Scooters are not toys

E-scooters might look like a fun way to get around town, but they’re still subject to many of the same rules as cars and other vehicles.

When sharing the roads, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities. The penalties for mistakes can be serious – physically, if you’re injured, and legally, if you cause injury to someone else or are stopped by police.