Personal mobility devices including e-scooters
Personal Mobility Devices (PMD) are typically small, portable, and designed to carry one person over short to medium distances. Examples include e-scooters, e-skateboards, segways and solowheels. They are increasingly popular around the world as they present an innovative new way to move around the urban environment.
There are many PMDs currently on the Australian market with the most popular being e-scooters.
Some Australian states have recognised the growing popularity of PMDs and adopted regulatory frameworks in their road safety legislation, including requirements for the legal use of PMDs relating to safe control, dimensions, motor type, motor speed and where they can be used.
However in NSW there are no adopted PMD regulations. Therefore, in NSW riding a PMD is illegal unless on private property.
If you are riding a PMD, like an e-scooter, on the road or a road-related area (including bike paths, shared paths, footpaths and nature strips) you are breaking the law - NSW Police can fine you.
You may also be liable for any financial impacts if you are involved in a crash with another road or footpath user.
Furthermore, it is prohibited to ride a PMD or e-scooter in areas open or used by the public such as Council car parks, parks and other public recreation areas.
No. You cannot legally ride your e-scooter on the footpath anywhere in NSW.
It is prohibited to ride an e-scooter or PMD anywhere in NSW except on private property.
In NSW you are only allowed to ride an e-scooter or PMD on private property.
It is prohibited to ride an e-scooter or PMD anywhere in NSW on a road or a road-related area. This includes roads, bike paths, shared paths and footpaths, as well as car parks and parks.
It is also prohibited to ride a PMD or e-scooter in areas open or used by the public such as Council car parks, parks and other public recreation areas including the sealed courts at Bicentennial Reserve in Willoughby.
Other states and countries have different laws and regulations relating to the use of e-scooters and PMDs. It is important to check with the relevant authorities before you use your e-scooter or PMD beyond NSW to make sure it is legal for you to do so.
Riding an e-scooter or PMD is a skill. They are presented as a fun and easy alternative to tackling ‘last mile’ journeys and making short trips. However, research from New Zealand has shown that the majority of injuries resulting from e-scooter accidents affect only the e-scooter rider themselves – that is, they fall off, lose their balance or make an error of judgement and crash.
Studies have found that PMD users, including e-scooter riders, have a similar injury risk as bicycle riders.
Ensure you are a competent rider by practicing and making sure you have good balance.
And always wear an Australian Standards approved helmet when riding a e-scooter or PMD.
You can only ride your e-scooter or PMD on private property.
It is prohibited to ride an e-scooter or PMD anywhere in NSW on a road or a road-related area. This includes roads, bike paths, shared paths and footpaths, as well as car parks and parks.
It is also prohibited to ride a PMD or e-scooter in areas open or used by the public such as Council car parks, parks and other public recreation areas.
Should you decide to ride a PMD or e-scooter on the road or in a road-related area like the footpath, please note that you are breaking NSW law and Police can fine you. You may also be liable for any financial impacts if you are involved in a crash with another road or footpath user.