Electric scooters in Australia have become commonplace recently, especially in states with e-scooter trials. Victoria is one of the Australian states with ongoing trials, and they’ve recently extended the e-scooter trial for another six months and allowed private e-scooters to join.
If you’re an e-scooter enthusiast in Victoria, you must know the current electric scooter laws to avoid getting penalised and keep yourself safe on the road.
To help you keep up with your state’s regulations, here’s everything you need to know about the electric scooter laws in Victoria for 2023.
Are E-scooters Legal in Victoria?
Yes! Electric scooter laws in Victoria allow hired and private e-scooters on shared-use paths and roads with a speed limit of up to 60 kph.
To legally ride an e-scooter in Victoria, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Wear a helmet.
- Travel at a top speed of 20 kph.
- Not use your mobile phone.
- Not carry a passenger.
What Is a Legal E-scooter in Victoria?
Although it’s legal to ride an e-scooter in Victoria, the state doesn’t allow all types of e-scooters in public.
To ensure the safety of riders and pedestrians, the government requires e-scooters to have certain specifications.
According to electric scooter law in Victoria, the e-scooter must:
- Have a top speed of 25 kph.
- Have a maximum capacity of one rider.
- Have two wheels.
- Transport a person while the rider is standing.
- Have a footboard between the wheels.
- Have a handlebar.
- Be propelled by foot or one or more electric motors.
E-scooters not adhering to these requirements are considered unregistered motor vehicles and can only be ridden on private property.
Learn more about the required e-scooter specs through the Victorian government and Police.
What Is the E-scooter Speed Limit in Victoria?
Although Victoria electric scooter laws allow e-scooters with a top speed of 25 kph, riders can only travel at 20 kph.
According to the Victorian government, this is the speed limit they’ve found to be safest during the trial. A lower speed limit will reduce risks on the road and create a safer environment for riders and pedestrians.
Travelling over 20 kph will result in a fine.
Electric Scooter Trials in Victoria
As of April 5, 2023, e-scooter trials in Victoria have been extended, allowing hired and private e-scooters on roads and shared paths. The trials include Ballarat, Melbourne, Port Phillip, and Yarra, with Lime and Neuron as the approved e-scooter providers.
Ballarat
The e-scooter trial in Ballarat started on December 15, 2021, and was extended last April with the inclusion of private e-scooters.
Ballarat follows the regulations set by the Victorian government. E-scooter riders can travel within 25 km2 of Ballarat North, Ballarat Central, Lake Wendouree, Eureka Golden Point, and Redan.
Learn more about Ballarat’s e-scooter trial.
Melbourne, Port Phillip, and Yarra
The e-scooter trials in Melbourne, Port Phillip, and Yarra started on February 1, 2022 and will finish by the end of September 2023. Private e-scooters have also been allowed since April 5, 2023. The same rules set by the Victorian government apply to riders in these cities.
Riders can only travel within the designated trial zones, geofenced by the approved operators.
Learn more about the e-scooter trials in Melbourne, Port Phillip, and Yarra.
Do You Need a Licence for an E-scooter in Victoria?
Electric scooter law in Victoria doesn’t require riders to have a licence to ride an e-scooter, as long as they’re at least 16 years old. However, incurring e-scooter offences can impact your Learner, Probationary, or full Victorian Driver’s Licence.
What Are the E-scooter Offences and Penalties in Victoria?
Don’t do the following offences to avoid receiving a fine.
E-scooter Offences in Victoria
According to the Victorian Police, the police will enforce laws on:
- Unregistered motor vehicle (over
- Not wearing a helmet
- Riding on a footpath
- Reckless riding
- Using a mobile phone while riding
- Riding under the influence of drugs and alcohol
When caught, the police can stop riders, inquire about their name and address, require riders to undergo drug and alcohol testing, fine riders, issue charges to appear before a court, or issue a driver’s licence ban.
Check out the Victorian Police’s page for more information.
E-scooter Penalties in Victoria
Currently, the penalty in Victoria is $192.31.
Here are some offences and their fines:
- Riding a non-compliant e-scooter - $962
- Riding on a footpath - $192
- Riding alongside another rider - $192
- Riding under the minimum age - $192
- Using a mobile phone while riding - $577
- Disobeying traffic lights - $481+
Check the full penalties and fines here.
Follow Electric Scooter Laws and Keep Safe on the Road!
Hopefully, this article helped you learn more about Victoria’s electric scooter laws. Before buying or riding an e-scooter, make sure you know your city’s e-scooter laws, where to ride them legally, and how to ride responsibly to protect yourself and others from accidents and avoid getting penalised.
For a summary of each state’s e-scooter laws, check out the Electric Scooter Laws in Australia – 2023 State-by-State Guide.
