Electric Scooter Law in Western Australia (WA)

According to the electric scooter law in Western Australia (WA), electric scooters are only allowed on public roads and footpaths if they have a maximum motor power of 200W and a maximum speed of 10 km/h on level ground. Unfortunately, most e-scooters in the market exceed the motor and scooter speed limit, so most e-scooters are not allowed in public.

However, commercial electric scooters can be ridden on private property without any electric scooter regulations, but riders are strongly recommended to wear a helmet and ride safely.

If an electric scooter is compliant with the required motor and speed limit, riders must follow the rules under the Road Traffic Code 2000. These rules include:

Riders must wear a helmet;

Riders can ride on footpaths and shared paths, so long as the rider keeps left and gives way to pedestrians;

Riders cannot ride on roads with a speed limit exceeding 50 km/h;

Riders cannot ride on roads with a dividing line or median strip;

Riders cannot ride on one-way roads with more than one marked lane; and

Riders cannot ride during hours of darkness.

Given the number of shared electric scooter platforms in Australia, many e-scooter sharing companies like Lime and Beam have tapped into WA. In 2018, it has been reported that Lime plans to roll out its e-scooters in Perth. However, given the electric scooter law in WA, Lime applied for an exemption and asked to raise the limit to 15 km/h.

Meanwhile, another shared e-scooter company, Beam, was able to successfully roll out their e-scooters by early 2020 in Bunbury. Unfortunately, Beam had to suspend operations temporarily in April 2020 due to the spread of the Coronavirus.

Electric Scooter Riding Tips in Public

For a safe and fun riding experience, follow these safety tips when riding an electric scooter in Perth or in any other place in Western Australia.

1. Wear safety gear

According to electric scooter law in WA, riders with compliant or approved e-scooters must wear a helmet. Electric scooter riders driving on private property are also highly encouraged to wear a helmet for their safety.

For extra protection, riders are encouraged to wear eye protection to prevent dust and particles from entering their eyes. Gloves are also recommended to prevent hand scrapes or injuries in case of a fall. Riders may also wear knee and elbow pads for better protection.

2. Inspect the electric scooter before riding

Before riding an electric scooter, always make sure to check its condition. Look at its frame, tyres, deck, battery, and other components to know if there is any damage. This is highly encouraged if you are riding shared electric scooters. If you can, test the acceleration and brake to see if it's working properly. Inspecting the unit before riding will ensure that you have a safe and worry-free ride.

3. Give way to pedestrians

To avoid getting into accidents, make it a habit to give way to pedestrians. Remember to keep left when riding on footpaths and shared pathways and slow down when entering a crowded area. In this way, you also avoid colliding with other riders.

4. Always follow road rules

Learn your city’s e-scooter laws to ride safely in public and avoid getting penalised. For example, e-scooter laws in WA state that riders can’t ride during hours of darkness. Unlike other states, riders in WA must not ride during nighttime. At the same time, learn the electric scooter laws by state to keep up to date with the country’s rules and regulations on e-scooters.

The Advantages of Electric Scooters for Riders

1. Helps save on time

Electric scooter riders no longer have to sit and wait in traffic as they can easily zip by traffic. This saves riders time on the road, making your travels faster and more efficient. The time spent on the road can now be spent at work or home.

2. Offers long-term cost savings

Unlike riding a car or motorcycle, electric scooters offer better cost savings as it eliminates the need for fuel. Moreover, buying an electric scooter is more affordable than a car or motorcycle. Plus, it has little to no maintenance needed, further reducing the total cost. Meanwhile, shared electric scooters also offer affordable transport and can be a good option for short distance travelling.

3. Reduces carbon emissions

One of the most valuable advantages of riding an electric scooter is its impact on the environment. Riders can reduce their carbon footprint and help lessen the carbon emissions from road transportation. A Lime study found that e-scooters can save 330 tons of carbon emissions in a city in just a year. Encouraging more e-scooters in cities can help reduce air pollution in the long run.

Electric Scooter Laws in Australia

Each state and territory in Australia has a different set of rules and regulations pertaining to the usage of e-scooters(including where e-scooters can legally be used and whether these products need to be registered with the relevant road traffic authority). Any user of this product must ensure that that they check and abide by their local by-laws and use responsibly. Ride with caution and always wear a helmet and protective gear when riding your Mearth e-scooter. Click here to learn more about E-scooter regulations in your state

Shop for Mearth Electric Scooters Today

Explore our electric scooter models and find one that fits your needs! Shop Now!