E-scooters and other similar mobility devices are an affordable, sustainable and healthy travel choice.
Shared e-scooters operate across the ACT. See the shared e-scooters page for more details.
Just as if you were driving a car or riding a motorcycle, road rules apply so please be aware and take responsibility.
Make sure you are following the correct rules for the mode of transport you are using. Different rules apply for rollerblades, rollerskates and skateboards that do not have an electric motor.
See below for more information about how to use personal mobility devices safely.
E-scooter rules
Rules apply when using e-scooters and other mobility devices such as segways and e-skateboards. Following these rules is important for everyone's safety.
- Wear a helmet. You must wear an approved safety helmet while riding an e-scooter.
- Don't drive under the influence. Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and illegal. Catch public transport, call a lift or walk home.
- Mobile phones. You are not allowed to use a mobile device while using an e-scooter.
- Warning devices. You must have a warning device such as a bell fitted to your device or otherwise accessible to you.
- Safety equipment. You must have lights and reflectors on either the device or your person at night or in hazardous weather conditions.
- One person per scooter. You must not carry any passengers.
- Give way. You must give way to other pedestrians and keep to the left. It is everyone’s responsibility to share the footpath and road and be mindful of other users.
- Supervise children. Children under the age of 12 must not use a personal mobility device without adult supervision.
The ACT’s rules for e-scooters and other personal mobility devices are outlined in the Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017.
Top tips for e-scooting safely
Wear a helmet. It’s illegal and dangerous not to wear one. Stay safe and protect your head.
Share the road safely. Give people space and use your judgement. Travel at the appropriate and safe speed for the environment you are travelling in and be respectful to pedestrians and other path users. Sharing the road is everyone’s responsibility.
Ride to the conditions. There are speed limits in different places, but sometimes you need to go slower. Use your judgment.
Park sensibly. Park your e-scooter off the main path and away from stairs, ramps, light rail stops, bus stops and entry or exit ways.
Permitted locations
Personal mobility devices such as e-scooters are permitted on footpaths, shared paths, bicycle paths and the bicycle side of separated paths. They can also be used on private property where the road transport law does not apply.
They are not permitted on roads unless there is no footpath, shared path or nature strip next to the road or it is impracticable to travel on one of those areas. If you are required to use the road on your personal mobility device, you must take the shortest, safest route. Do not stay on the road for longer than necessary.
Speed limits
If you are using an e-scooter or other personal mobility device, you must adhere to the speed limits. It is illegal travel faster than:
- 15 km/h on footpaths
- 25 km/h on shared paths, bicycle paths or the bicycle side of separated paths.
You must slow down to 10 km/h when approaching and travelling across a crossing.
Any personal mobility device that travels more than 25 km/h is considered a motor vehicle and is therefore forbidden from travelling on paths.
Public transport
Light rail
Certain types of e-scooters can be taken on the light rail. Information about which types of e-scooters are permitted and travel requirements can be found on the CMET website.
Buses
E-scooters and similar devices can be brought onto buses at the driver’s discretion. If taken on board, e-scooters must:
- not block the aisle or exits
- not obscure the vision of the driver
- be easily carried on or off the bus by the passenger
- be stored safely and securely within the passenger area.
Rollerblades, rollerskates and skateboards
Stay safe and follow the rules when using rollerblades, rollerskates and skateboards. Do not travel on roads with:
- a dividing line or median strip.
- a speed limit over 50 km/h.
- a one-way road with more than 1 marked lane
Do not use the part of a separated footpath designated for pedestrians (keep to the side for cyclists). Keep left and give way to pedestrians.
Please see the Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017 for more details.
