E-scooter road rules
You can ride an e-scooter in Victoria, as long as you follow certain rules.
E-scooters that comply with specifications outlined in the Victorian road rules are now legal to use across Victoria.
All riders must follow the rules to keep everyone safe, including always wearing a helmet and never riding on footpaths or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines or even the loss of your driver's licence.
It is against the law to ride an e-scooter on public land if it doesn't meet Victorian device requirements.
A legal e-scooter is a device which:
- has a maximum speed of 25 km/h when ridden on level ground
- transports one person while the person is standing or seated
- has two wheels (one in front of the other)
- has a footboard between the front and rear wheels
- is steered by a handlebar, and
- does not weigh more than 45kg.
You don't need a licence to ride an e-scooter in Victoria. However, your driver's licence can be affected if you ride an e-scooter while affected by alcohol or drugs. See drink and drug-driving offences.
What you must do
E-scooter riders must:
- be aged 16 or over
- wear a helmet
- ride at no more than 20 km/h
- ride on:
- shared-use paths
- bicycle paths
- roads with a speed limit of up to 60 km/h
- use flashing or steady front and rear lights, if riding at night or in low light
- park responsibly in a location that does not disrupt pedestrians or pose a safety hazard
- keep to approved areas if using a hired e-scooter.
What you can't do
If you're riding an e-scooter, you can't:
- ride on the footpath
- ride an e-scooter capable of more than 25km/h
- ride on roads with a speed limit above 60km/h
- ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol (you can be breath tested and lose your licence)
- use a mobile phone
- carry passengers or animals
- ride in tandem (side by side).
Penalties for e-scooter riders
The rules for e-scooter use are published in the Road Safety Road Rules 2017. Some specific e-scooter rules are listed in Part 15.
Some penalties for breaking the rules are listed below. You can get more than one fine if you're breaking multiple rules. Penalty values are current as of 4 October 2024.
Hire schemes
It's up to individual councils to decide if they'd like hire e-scooters in their area.
Hire providers must have an agreement with the relevant local council authority to operate in that area. Failure to obtain such an agreement will make the operation of the hire scheme devices illegal.
We have developed a best practice guide for councils to assist them with managing hire e-scooter schemes, including parking management and operator insurance requirements.
- Micromobility share schemes - guide for councils (PDF)
- Micromobility share schemes - guide for councils (DOCX)
Battery safety
E-scooters typically use lithium-ion batteries which can pose a fire risk, particularly if they are improperly used, stored, charged, or manufactured.
You should purchase devices, batteries and chargers from reputable suppliers and always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Improper charging is one of the leading causes of lithium-ion battery fires. To reduce the risks of a battery fire:
- Only use chargers that are supplied with the device or certified third-party charging equipment that is compatible with the battery specifications.
- Don’t charge on soft or flammable surfaces.
- Don’t use damaged chargers, cords or batteries that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking, overheating or signs of mechanical damage.
- Don’t leave batteries or devices unattended whilst charging and once fully charged, disconnect them from the charger.
For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, visit:
- Fire Rescue Victoria – Battery safety
- Energy Safe Victoria – Lithium-ion battery safety
- Country Fire Authority – Charging and battery safety