Motor vehicle theft is on the rise in Victoria with 16,766 cars stolen in the year ending June 30, 2023 according to Crime Statistics Victoria, an increase of 27 per cent from the previous year.
Safety
E-scooter frequently asked questions
Can you ride an e-scooter on the footpath, road, or public walkway?
Victoria’s e-scooter FAQs: electric scooter safety and laws explained
While many people have been quick to jump on an e-scooter of late, it’s important to know the rules for e-scooters and how to stay safe.
E-scooters have been used across the globe – including Stockholm and Berlin, and since February of 2022, Melbourne and Ballarat.
After the e-scooter trial was launched in Victoria, more than 3.9 million rides have been recorded. The success of the trial means it has been extended for another six months from 5 April, 2023 across the Cities of Melbourne, Yarra, Port Philip, and Ballarat.
As part of the trial extension, the age limit for riders has been reduced to 16, and privately owned e-scooters are now included. E-scooters cannot travel above 20km per hour, and devices capable of exceeding 25km per hour are still illegal to use on public roads.
With the extension of the trial, some rules have changed. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the e-scooter trial.
E-scooter frequently asked questions
Are private e-scooters legal?
As of 5 April 2023, private e-scooters can legally be bought, sold and ridden in Victoria, but they still must abide by the same Victorian e-scooter share scheme rules.
To keep everyone safe, e-scooter riders must also not carry passengers, ride two abreast, use a mobile phone or lead an animal on their e-scooter.
Victoria Police will be enforcing the safe use of e-scooters.
Where can you ride an e-scooter in Victoria?
As part of the trial, e-scooters that are part of the share scheme can be used in the City of Melbourne, City of Yarra, City of Port Phillip and Ballarat. With the trial now being extended, more local councils can join, meaning the radius may be extended.
All of the approved e-scooters use geo-tagging to ensure that the vehicle does not travel outside of the licensed areas. The geo-fencing, while providing vital user data for the trial, also allows users to locate the nearest available e-scooter.
Can you ride an e-scooter on the footpath, road, or public walkway?
Private e-scooters and e-scooters that are part of the share scheme can be ridden in bicycle lanes and paths, shared paths, and low-speed roads where the road speed limit doesn't exceed 60km per hour:
Footpaths
E-scooters are not allowed to be ridden on the footpath. You can however park your e-scooter on the footpath as long as it’s in an upright position and not obstructing pedestrian traffic,
Roads
Riders can use e-scooters on roads zoned up to 60km per hour.
As e-scooters are restricted to 20km per hour, they are not safe to operate in high-speed areas. Devices capable of exceeding 25km per hour are not classified as e-scooters, and are still illegal.
E-scooter riders must also obey the same road rules that apply to motor vehicles and cyclists such as giving way, obeying traffic lights, signs and speed limits.
Walkways and Designated Lanes
E-scooters can be used on shared public paths and bike lanes, but riders must be mindful and stay safe around other pedestrians, cyclists, and obstacles.
Can more than one person ride on an e-scooter?
E-scooters are limited to one rider only, meaning only one can be on the e-scooter, and also only one per lane (e.g. do not ride two abreast).
Pillion passengers and pets are not allowed, and can result in a fine of $185 for breaches of this rule.
Can you use a mobile phone while riding an e-scooter?
While you may need to use your phone to find an e-scooter, your phone must be put away once your journey begins.
Fines of $555 can be issued for those using a mobile device while operating an e-scooter alongside three penalty units.
Do you need a license to ride an e-scooter?
No, the e-scooters as part of the Victorian trial do not require a valid Driver’s License, althought riders must be at least 16 years of age.
However, breaches of road rules while operating an e-scooter can impact your holding of a Learner, Probationary or full Victorian Driver’s License.
Do you need to obey regular road rules on an e-scooter?
When travelling on shared pathways, bike lanes or roads up to and including 60km per hour, regular road rules apply. Fines can be issued for failing to comply.
Do you need to wear a helmet on an e-scooter?
As with any form of motorised transport safety is always the number-one priority. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding an e-scooter, and failing to wear a helmet can result in a $231 fine and 1.25 penalty units.
While helmets cannot guarantee prevention of injury, helmets should be sized, fitted and secured firmly as per manufacturer instructions to best prevent the chances of injury.
How old do you need to be to use an e-scooter?
To ride an e-scooter, all users must be 16 years of age or older.
Can you drink-and-ride on an e-scooter?
All riders must have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) below the legal limit - 0.05 for riders with a full driver license, and 0.00 for riders on Ls, Ps, or underage.
Riders must not be impaired by alcohol or drugs. Heavy fines and penalties will apply to those breaching the rules.
Anyone found to be riding under the influence can lose their driver license, be disqualified from obtaining a new license, and may need to complete a behaviour change program before they are able to reapply.
Fines, court fees, and disqualification periods vary depending on a range of factors, including BAC level and prior infringements. More severe disqualification periods and fines apply for combined offences.
Are e-scooters safe?
Much like any other forms of motorised transport (including e-bikes), there are risks to using e-scooters. Riders should minimise the risks by sticking to the speed limit, slowing in high-pedestrian areas, being mindful of other road users, and wearing appropriate safety equipment, including helmets.
Failure to comply can result in fines and other penalities.
How do I book an e-scooter?
By using the arevo app on your smartphone, you will be able to locate the nearest Lime e-scooter near you. You can also book an e-scooter close by up to 15 minutes in advance.
Once you have located the e-scooter, scan the QR code with the in-app scanner. As long as the e-scooter is available to use and is charged, the attached helmet will be unlocked for use.
Download the arevo app for a free e-scooter ride with Lime.
