If you’ve noticed more people zipping past on e-scooters or cruising the bike lane on e-bikes, you’re not imagining it. Australia is embracing micro mobility in a big way. From teenagers meeting friends to commuters avoiding peak-hour traffic, electric rides are changing how we move.
In New South Wales alone, there are over 1.3 million personal mobility devices in use. Nearly half of those trips are linked to public transport, while many others are replacing short car journeys. In fact, in some regional areas, almost half of all e-scooter and e-bike trips replace car trips altogether. That’s a big win for our wallets and the planet.
But before you jump on and ride off, there’s something important to know: the rules are different across Australia. An e-scooter ride that’s legal in Brisbane could land you a fine in Sydney. Let’s break it down.
What Counts as an E-Scooter?
E-scooters fall into a category known as personal mobility devices (PMDs). They’re built for one rider and come with a few basic rules no matter where you are:
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You need to wear an approved helmet
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Your scooter should have a bell or horn
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A front light is required if you ride at night
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No phone use while riding
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Some states have minimum age limits
Because e-scooters often share space with pedestrians, speed limits are tight and strictly enforced.
What Counts as an E-Bike?
E-bikes are a little different. They’re still bicycles at heart, but with an electric boost. There are two main types you’ll see on Australian roads:
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Throttle-assist bikes (up to 200 watts) – The motor helps when you pedal. These are treated much like regular bicycles.
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Pedal-assist pedelecs (EPACs) (up to 250 watts) – The motor gives extra power but must cut out once you hit 25km/h.
Go beyond those limits and your e-bike is no longer legally a bike—it’s a motor vehicle. That means registration, insurance, and a licence are required.
State-by-State: E-Scooter Rules in Australia
Here’s where things really get interesting. Every state has its own rules around where you can ride and how fast you can go.
E-Scooter Rules in New South Wales (NSW)
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Ride on shared paths, bike lanes, and roads up to 50km/h
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Not allowed on footpaths
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Speed: 20km/h (10km/h on shared paths)
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Age: 16+
E-Scooter Rules in Victoria (VIC)
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Allowed on roads up to 60km/h, bike lanes, and shared bike paths
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No riding on footpaths
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Speed: 20km/h (device max speed 25km/h)
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Age: 16+
E-Scooter Rules in Queensland (QLD)
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Ride on footpaths, shared paths, bike paths, and local roads up to 50km/h
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Speed: 12km/h on footpaths, 25km/h elsewhere
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Age: 12+ (supervision required under 16)
E-Scooter Rules in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
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Ride on footpaths and bike paths
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Speed: 15km/h on footpaths, 25km/h elsewhere
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Limited road use only if no safe path is available
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Under-12s must be supervised
E-Scooter Rules in South Australia (SA)
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Ride on footpaths, bike paths, and local roads up to 60km/h
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Speed: 10km/h on footpaths, 25km/h elsewhere
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Age: 16+
E-Scooter Rules in Tasmania (TAS)
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Ride on footpaths, shared paths, and some local roads up to 50km/h
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Speed: 15km/h on footpaths, 25km/h elsewhere
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Age: 16+ (under-16s limited to smaller 200W scooters)
E-Scooter Rules in Western Australia (WA)
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Ride on footpaths, bike paths, and local roads up to 50km/h
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Speed: 10km/h on footpaths, 25km/h elsewhere
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Age: 16+
E-Scooter Rules in Northern Territory (NT)
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Only hire scooters (Beam Mobility) are allowed in public
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Private e-scooters banned
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Speed: 15km/h
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Age: 18+
State-by-State: E-Bike Rules in Australia
E-bike laws are far simpler. Across the country, you’ll generally find:
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Throttle-assist bikes capped at 200W
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Pedal-assist pedelecs capped at 250W
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Motors must cut out at 25km/h
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Riders can use the same paths and roads as bicycles
The only exceptions?
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NSW also allows EPACs up to 500W.
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WA requires riders to be at least 16.
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ACT and NT treat e-bikes entirely as bicycles, with no specific wattage caps.
E-Scooters vs E-Bikes: What’s the Difference Legally?
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E-Bikes: Rules are consistent and straightforward. If you stick within wattage and speed limits, you’re good to go almost anywhere.
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E-Scooters: Much more complex. Some states welcome them on footpaths, others ban them outright. NT still only allows hire scooters.
The big takeaway? Always check your local rules before you set off.
The Bottom Line
E-scooters and e-bikes are reshaping transport in Australia. They’re fun, practical, eco-friendly, and cost-effective—but they come with responsibilities.
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On an e-bike, laws are mostly the same no matter where you are.
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On an e-scooter, rules change dramatically from one state to another.
👉 If you’re riding in Brisbane or Hobart, footpath use is fine. Try the same in Sydney or Melbourne, and you could face a fine.
So before your next ride, make sure you know the rules where you live. It’ll keep you safe, save you money, and let you enjoy the freedom these rides are designed to give.
FAQs About E-Scooter and E-Bike Rules in Australia
🚴 What is the legal speed limit for e-bikes in Australia?
In Australia, most e-bikes are capped at 25km/h. Once you hit that speed, the motor must cut out. Throttle-assist bikes are limited to 200W, while pedal-assist pedelecs (EPACs) can go up to 250W.
🛴 Can you ride an e-scooter on the footpath in Australia?
It depends on where you live. Queensland, Tasmania, WA, and the ACT allow footpath riding at low speeds, but NSW and Victoria ban it completely. South Australia allows it at 10km/h. Always check your state’s rules before riding.
🚦 Do you need a licence to ride an e-bike or e-scooter in Australia?
For standard e-bikes and legal e-scooters, you do not need a licence. However, if the device exceeds wattage or speed limits, it may be classified as a motor vehicle, which means you’ll need registration, insurance, and a licence.
👤 What is the minimum age to ride an e-scooter in Australia?
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Most states: 16+
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Queensland: 12+ (with supervision under 16)
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NT: 18+ for hire scooters only
Some restrictions apply for under-16s in Tasmania.
⚡ Are private e-scooters legal in the Northern Territory?
No. In the NT, only hire e-scooters from operators like Beam Mobility are allowed in public spaces. Private e-scooters are still banned.
🌏 Why are e-scooter rules so different across Australia?
Each state and territory manages its own road and transport laws. That’s why e-scooter regulations vary so much, while e-bike rules are more consistent.