The ACT Road Rules apply differently to different kinds of vehicles and devices. Knowing how your device is categorised under the Road Rules will help you to follow the correct rules for the mode of transport you are using.
Under the Road Rules, e-scooters are categorised as a personal mobility device. Other personal mobility devices include e-skateboards and motor-assisted roller skates or roller blades. Personal mobility devices are powered by an electric motor.
Personal electronic mobility devices are an affordable, sustainable and healthy travel choice.
You may own your own e-scooter or hire a Lime e-scooter. For more details about Lime scooters see the micromobility (e-scooter and e-bike) operation area map. If you plan to purchase your own scooter, confirm that a device complies with applicable Australian standards and ACT legislation before purchasing it. Not all e-scooters available for purchase in Australia or through online retailers meet ACT requirements for use on public roads and paths.
Different rules apply for bikes and e-bikes which are categorised as vehicles under the road rules. Different rules also apply to unmotorised-scooters and skateboards, rollerblades and roller-skates which are categorised as wheeled recreational devices. For more information about bikes, e-bikes and other devices, please visit the Cycling page.
See below for more information about how to use personal mobility devices safely. For detailed rules and legal requirements in the ACT, see Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017.
Permitted e-scooter devices
- E-scooters are allowed to be used in public places in the ACT, if they meet the following requirements:
- powered by an electric motor
- designed for one rider only
- weigh 60 kg or less (without a rider)
- have one or more wheels
- have a braking system
- have a maximum speed of 25 km/h on level ground
- no larger than 1250 mm long, 700 mm wide and 1350 mm high
An e-scooter that does not meet all of these criteria is not a legal e-scooter and may only be legally used on private property where the road transport law does not apply.
Any personal mobility device that travels more than 25 km/h is considered a motor vehicle and is therefore forbidden from travelling on paths.
E-scooter rules and safety tips
Rules apply when using e-scooters and other personal mobility devices. Following these rules is important for everyone's safety.
- Wear a helmet. You must wear an approved safety helmet when riding.
- Don't ride under the influence. Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and illegal. Catch public transport, call a lift or walk instead.
- Mobile phones. Don’t use your phone while riding a personal mobility device.
- 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 e-scooter. You must not carry any passengers.
- Give way. You must give way to pedestrians and keep to the left. All users share responsibility for using roads and paths safely and respectfully.
- Age restrictions. Children under the age of 12 must not use a personal mobility device without adult supervision. The Lime shared e-devices can only be used by people aged 16 years and over.
- Ride to the conditions. There are speed limits in different places, but sometimes you need to go slower. Use your judgement.
- Park sensibly. Park your device off the main path and away from stairs, ramps, light rail stops, bus stops and entry or exit ways.
- Know where you can ride.
Permitted e-scooter locations
E-scooters may be used on footpaths, shared paths or nature strips. They can also be used on private property.
E-scooters are only permitted on roads if there is no footpath, shared path or nature strip next to the road or if it is impracticable to travel on one of those areas. If you must travel on a road, take the shortest practical route and return to an approved path as soon as possible. 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 stick to the speed limits. It is illegal to 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.
To ensure everyone can use outside areas safely, e-scooter riders are encouraged to slow down when travelling through congested spaces. Riders must give way to pedestrians and pedestrians should also remain aware of their surroundings. Signage is installed in high traffic areas to help remind riders to slow down and share the space safely with pedestrians.
Dedicated e-device parking zones
Respect others when you ride and park. Keep paths clear, park considerately and be mindful of other path and road users. Dedicated e-scooter and e-bike parking zones are available at Petrie Plaza near London Circuit. These dedicated parking zones help ensure shared e-devices are not parked in a way that can become a hazard.
Public transport
Light rail
Bikes, scooters and mobility devices may be permitted subject to conditions. Information about permitted bikes, scooters and other mobility devices is available on the CMET website. However, shared Lime e-scooters and e-bikes cannot be taken on board light rail services.
Buses
E-scooters and other personal mobility devices cannot be placed in the bike racks at the front of the bus but may be brought onto buses at the driver’s discretion. If taken on board, personal mobility devices must meet carriage of goods requirements.
Lime e-scooters and e-scooter that cannot be collapsed are not permitted on board Transport Canberra buses.
Scooters, rollerblades, roller skates and skateboards (wheeled recreational devices)
Wheeled recreational devices do not have a motor. You must follow the road rules when using wheeled recreational devices. This includes only traveling on roads with:
- a dividing line or median strip;
- a speed limit over 50 km/h; and
- 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.
