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 website.
Legal e-scooter use
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).
Legal e-scooter definition
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 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. |
| Drugs | Riders 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 website.
Reviewed 11 October 2023