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Electric powered scooters (e-scooters)

Legal e-scooter use in Victoria, including how to ride them safely and related laws and offences.

Victoria’s e-scooter shared-scheme (hire) trial has been extended to April 2024.

Some privately owned e-scooters can now be used under strict trial rules across Victoria.

Read more about the Victorian Government e-scooter trials on the VicRoadsExternal Link website.

You can legally ride an e-scooter in Victoria if:

  • you ride on shared-use paths (not on footpaths) and roads up to and including 60km/h
  • you are at least 16 years old
  • you wear a helmet
  • you do not travel more than 20km/h
  • you do not use your mobile phone
  • you do not carry a passenger (dinking).

A legal e-scooter is defined as a vehicle designed for use by one person and:

  • has a maximum speed capability of 25 kilometres per hour when ridden on level ground
  • transports a person while the person is standing
  • has 2 wheels (one in front of the other)
  • has a footboard between the front and rear wheels
  • is steered by means of a handlebar
  • can be propelled by one or both of the following
    • one or more electric motors
    • person pushing one foot against the ground.

An e-scooter that falls outside the scope of this definition is considered an unregistered motor vehicle and is liable to significant penalties.

In particular, the e-scooter must not exceed the maximum speed capability of 25 kilometres per hour.

Shared scheme e-scooters and e-scooter trials

Shared scheme e-scooters will continue to operate, and are deemed a legal e-scooter.

Read more about the Victorian Government e-scooter trials on the VicRoadsExternal Link website.

Offences while using an e-scooter

Offending whilst riding an e-scooter may result in loss of any driver licence or permit held.

Victoria Police may enforce laws including:

  • unlicensed riding
  • unregistered motor vehicle
  • failing to wear a helmet
  • riding on a footpath
  • careless riding
  • using a mobile phone while riding.
  • riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs (see Alcohol and drug testing table).

To enforce these laws, Victoria Police can:

  • stop riders and require them to state their name and address
  • require the rider to undergo alcohol and drug testing
  • impound privately owned e-scooters if relevant offending is identified
  • impose on-the-spot fines if offending is identified
  • issue charges to appear before a court if offending is identified
  • issue an immediate driver licence ban if offending is identified.

Alcohol and drug testing

Legal e-scooter

0.05 blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Regardless of the status or conditions of any motor vehicle licence held and irrespective of the age of the rider.

Non-Compliant e-scooter

0.00 blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Unless a full and current motorcycle licence is held by the rider, these licence conditions will then apply.

DrugsRiders can be required to undergo roadside drug testing, drug impairment assessments and in some circumstances provide blood samples.

For information and further rules regarding e-scooters in Victoria, refer to the VicRoadsExternal Link website.

Reviewed 11 October 2023

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