Electric Scooters & Road Laws (VIC)

Updated 7 October 2026

Privately owned electric scooters are legal in Victoria, provided the scooter meets the legal specifications and the rider follows the road rules. Victoria's permanent e-scooter framework began on 4 October 2024, following the earlier trial. ^{[1], [8]}

Before riding, check your scooter's specifications, plan a permitted route and understand the rider requirements below.

What makes a privately owned electric scooter legal

For public roads and paths, a privately owned scooter must meet Victoria's Class A electric scooter definition. It must: ^[2]

• Be designed for a single rider, who may stand or use a seat that is built into the scooter or specifically designed for it and correctly installed.
• Have two wheels, arranged with one at the front and one at the rear.
• Have a footboard between the wheels and handlebars for steering.
• Weigh 45kg or less without the rider.
• Have a maximum speed capability of 25 km/h on level ground.
• Be capable of propulsion by an electric motor and by pushing a foot against the ground. ^[2]

A scooter capable of travelling faster than 25 km/h does not qualify for ordinary public-road or path use, even if you choose to ride it slowly. Check the actual model specifications before buying or riding. ^{[1], [3]}

The rules introduced Class B and Class C scooters in February 2026 for certain heavier or multi-wheel devices. These classes may be ridden on roads and road-related areas only through a vehicle sharing scheme; they do not extend the private-scooter rules. ^[2]

The two speed limits you need to know

^{[1], [2]}

Ride more slowly whenever pedestrians, visibility, traffic or the surface conditions require it. The maximum permitted speed is not a target.

Where you can ride in Victoria

^{[1], [2]}

There is a limited exception for crossing a road with a speed limit above 60 km/h by the shortest safe route. Pedestrian crossing rules still apply: dismount and walk across pedestrian and children's crossings. At a signalised foot crossing, riding is permitted only when bicycle crossing lights show green. ^[2]

Rider requirements and safety equipment

When riding in public, you must be at least 16 years old and wear an approved bicycle helmet that fits securely and is fastened. A driver's licence and vehicle registration are not required for a compliant privately owned e-scooter. ^{[1], [3], [4]}

Your scooter must have an effective brake and a working bell, horn or similar warning device. At night, or in weather that reduces visibility, you or the scooter must display: ^[2]

• A white front light and a red rear light, each visible from at least 200 metres. Either may be steady or flashing.
• A red rear reflector visible from at least 50 metres when illuminated by a vehicle's low-beam headlights. ^[2]

Obey traffic lights, signs and give-way rules. Park so your scooter leaves paths, entrances and access routes clear.

What you must not do

• Ride on pedestrian footpaths or use a non-compliant scooter on public roads or paths.
• Carry a passenger or an animal.
• Ride side by side with another rider or pedestrian travelling in the same direction, except while overtaking.
• Use a handheld mobile phone while riding.
• Drink alcohol while riding, or ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs. ^{[1], [2], [3]}

Stop and park safely before checking your phone. Keep both hands available for control and allow plenty of room when passing others.

Alcohol drugs and your driver licence

Police can require e-scooter riders to undergo breath or drug testing. For a compliant e-scooter, Victoria Police states that your blood alcohol concentration must be below 0.05, regardless of your age or car licence type. Prescribed drug offences also apply. ^[3]

Drink or drug riding can lead to fines and loss of your driver's licence, even though you do not need a licence to ride a compliant scooter. Riding sober is the safest choice. ^{[1], [3]}

Current Victorian electric scooter fines

The following published infringement amounts are current from 1 July 2026. More than one fine may apply when a rider commits multiple offences. ^{[1], [4]}

^{[1], [4]}

Passengers can also be fined: the published amount is $261, increasing to $680 if they are not wearing a helmet. Authorised officers, including police and protective services officers, can issue notices for relevant e-scooter offences. ^{[4], [9]}

Privately owned scooters and shared hire schemes

The statewide rules for compliant private scooters are separate from council decisions about commercial hire services. A council's decision not to host a hire scheme does not, by itself, prohibit compliant privately owned scooters. ^{[1], [8]}

Shared hire operators need a council agreement and approval from the Department of Transport and Planning. Approval requirements include footpath detection, helmet verification, parking controls and measures to deter alcohol- or drug-affected riding. If hiring, remain within the operator's approved area and follow its parking and service conditions. ^{[1], [5]}

Taking your scooter on public transport

Rules introduced on 21 December 2025 require e-scooters to be switched off on public transport and in station areas. You must not ride or charge them on board, on platforms or in station precincts; walk your scooter through stations. ^{[6], [7]}

E-scooters can be taken on metropolitan trains. On V/Line trains, carriage depends on available space and the conductor's decision. Trams and buses accept folding e-scooters only. Keep doors, aisles and priority areas clear, and check the operator's carriage conditions before travelling. ^[6]

Understand your insurance position

Do not assume every e-scooter injury is covered by the TAC. Its guidance says a collision involving a registered motor vehicle, train or tram may qualify for support; an e-scooter-only crash generally does not. Check any personal insurance for cover and exclusions involving injuries or damage to others. ^[4]

Check the laws before riding interstate

Australian e-scooter rules vary by state and territory. Victorian permission does not carry across a border: device specifications, age requirements, riding locations, speed limits and licensing rules can change.

Recent differences include South Australia's legalisation of compliant private devices from 13 July 2025 and Queensland's age and driver licence requirements from 31 August 2026, which include specified exemptions. NSW still prohibits private e-scooters on public roads and paths; its approved shared hire trials have separate conditions.

Ride courteously and protect access for everyone

Motorists overtaking an e-scooter on a permitted road must leave at least one metre of lateral clearance. Ride predictably and allow space for other people to pass safely. ^[2]

Safe, considerate riding helps everyone share roads and paths. Slow down near people, give a brief bell or verbal warning before overtaking, and pass with plenty of space. A calm "Passing on your right" can help, but wait until it is safe and leave room for an unexpected movement.

Park clear of ramps, doorways, crossings and routes used by people with wheelchairs, mobility aids or prams. Before each ride, check your brakes, tyres and lights. Keep your scooter in good condition and follow the manufacturer's charging and maintenance instructions.

Rules and fines can change. Use the official links above to check the requirements where you plan to ride.

Sources

Official sources checked on 7 October 2026. State and territory guidance is linked in the table above.

1. Transport Victoria e scooter road rules and penalties. Current rider guidance and infringement amounts effective 1 July 2026.
2. Road Safety Road Rules 2017. Authorised version 026, effective 18 February 2026. Rules 144A, 248 to 250, 256, 258 to 259, 262C to 262J, and the Dictionary.
3. Victoria Police electric powered scooter guidance. Device compliance, roadside testing and alcohol thresholds.
4. TAC e scooter rules penalties and injury cover. Current fines and explanation of when TAC injury support may apply.
5. Victorian Government shared hire schemes. Council agreements, operator approval and required safety technology.
6. Transport Victoria bicycles e bikes and e scooters on public transport. Current train, tram and bus carriage requirements.
7. Transport Victoria updated public transport rules. Rules commencing 21 December 2025.
8. Victorian Government permanent e scooter rules announcement. Permanent statewide framework commencing 4 October 2024.
9. Road Safety Act 1986. Authorised version 237, effective 30 September 2026. Sections 77 and 87 cover infringement enforcement.