Electric scooter laws in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have been in place since 2019. During this time, the state legalised e-scooters and other personal mobility devices.
If you live in ACT and want to ride an e-scooter, make sure you know the e-scooter laws to prevent breaking them, keep yourself safe while riding, and prevent accidents and harming others.
Learn more about the e-scooter laws in ACT below.
Are Electric Scooters Legal in ACT?
Escooter law in ACT declares e-scooters and similar devices meeting the state’s definition of a personal mobility device as a legal form of transport in selected locations within the ACT. This law covers private and shared e-scooters.
The safety rules and regulations riders should remember when riding in ACT include:
- Riders under 12 years old must be supervised by an adult.
- Riders can’t carry passengers.
- An approved helmet must be worn at all times, and the e-scooter must be fitted with a warning device, lights, and reflectors, especially when riding at night or during inclement weather.
- The speed limit is 25 kph for shared footpaths or cycle paths, 15 kph for footpaths, and 10 kph at crossings.
- Riders must always give way to pedestrians when travelling on shared paths and footpaths.
- E-scooters can’t travel on roads or on-road bicycle lanes, except on residential roads with no footpath.
- E-scooters can’t travel along the light rail corridor.
- Riders must always obey pedestrian traffic lights when crossing at lights.
- Riders must not travel under the influence of alcohol or drugs and use a mobile phone while riding.
Riders who fail to follow these regulations will receive fines.
You can read the full legislation in the Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017.
What Is a Legal E-scooter in the ACT?
ACT electric scooter laws state the detailed e-scooter specs allowed on public paths and roads. Before buying an e-scooter for public use, ensure that the model follows the required specifications below.
According to the section 18A of the Regulation, a personal mobility device must:
- Be propelled by an electric motor
- Be designed for one person
- Weigh not more than 60 kg unladen
- Have one or more wheels
- Have a brake system
- Not travel faster than 25 kph on level ground
- Have dimensions not more than 1,250 mm in length, 700 mm in width, and 1,250 mm in height.
Examples of accepted personal mobility devices in ACT include e-scooters, e-skateboards, and segway-like devices.
Meanwhile, devices that don’t fit the required specs include motorised wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and electric bicycles. It also includes scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, and/or other wheeled devices that don’t move using electric motors.
Where Can You Ride E-scooters in ACT?
ACT e-scooter laws allow e-scooters on footpaths, shared paths, bicycle paths, and the bicycle side of separated paths.
E-scooter riders can’t use roads and separated footpaths unless there’s no footpath, shared path, or nature strip next to the road, or it’s impractical to travel on these paths. If you must use the road, you must cross it using the shortest, safest route and not stay on it longer than needed.
All personal mobility devices are legal to ride on private property.
What Is the E-scooter Speed Limit in ACT?
ACT electric scooter laws impose the following speed limit for e-scooter and personal mobility devices:
- Up to 15 kph on footpaths
- Up to 25 kph on shared paths, bicycle side of separated paths, and bicycle paths
- Up to 10 kph when approaching and travelling across a crossing
Please note that e-scooters travelling over 25 kph on private paths are considered motor vehicles, making them prohibited from travelling on paths.
Remember that these limits are the maximum speeds you can reach while travelling. Always use your judgement, ride at safe speeds, and follow road rules to keep you and others safe while riding.
Electric Scooter Trials in ACT
A shared e-scooter scheme has been operating in ACT since September 2020. You can hire an electric scooter in Canberra, Belconnen, Woden Valley, Gungahlin, Weston Creek, Tuggeranong, and Molonglo via the approved e-scooter scheme operators Beam Mobility and Neuron Mobility.
Riders can access the e-scooters via each operator’s dedicated app.
When riding shared e-scooters, remember to park them properly as a courtesy to other users and to prevent incidents on footpaths or parking areas. Some parking tips include:
- Don’t leave your e-scooter parked in a path or area where people walk or cycle.
- Park your ride neatly and conveniently as a courtesy for the next user.
- Avoid leaving it in places where it could get damaged.
Check where you can ride a shared e-scooter in this ACT e-scooter map.
Know Your State’s Electric Scooter Laws and Stay Safe While Riding
E-scooters bring joy and convenience to every commuter, but knowing and following the electric scooter laws in ACT protects you from danger and possibly harming others.
Hopefully, this guide answers all your questions about e-scooter laws in ACT. To learn more about other e-scooter laws in Australia, check out the Electric Scooter Laws in Australia – 2023 State-by-State Guide or browse EleKtro’s blogs.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for e-scooters that comply with ACT electric scooter laws, browse EleKtro’s online shop to see our latest models.
