Electric Scooter Trials in Australia by State 2022

As more commuters prefer riding electric scooters for adults, more states and territories have started to implement electric scooter trials in Australia. Most e-scooter trials in the country run for 12 months, allowing people to ride approved shared e-scooter platforms. However, only a few cities allow riding private e-scooters in public.

If you are considering riding an electric scooter in your city, this guide will provide the available e-scooter trials in your state or territory as of writing. Check out the approved shared e-scooter schemes in your city and know where to ride them.

E-scooter Trial in New South Wales (NSW)

The NSW government recently announced that a 12-month e-scooter trial will commence in 2022. There is no starting date yet as of writing, but NSW Transport is already set to discuss trial locations with local councils. NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes emphasised that the government is willing to try e-scooters, but safety is a priority.

Current electric scooter law in NSW prohibits private and shared e-scooters from riding on public roads, footpaths and spaces. E-scooters may only be ridden on private property. Commuters caught riding them in public will receive a fine.

For now, NSW residents will need to wait for further announcements about the upcoming e-scooter trial.

E-scooter Trial in Queensland (QLD)

Electric scooter law in QLD allows e-scooters in public footpaths, spaces, and road-related areas. However, the e-scooters should follow certain requirements, such as specific dimensions. Here are the latest and upcoming electric scooter trials in Queensland.

Brisbane

Brisbane currently implements a shared e-scooter scheme with Beam and Neuron. However, the city implemented new e-scooter restrictions starting December 1, 2021 to reduce injuries across the city. The six-month safety trial will lock shared e-scooters from midnight to 5 AM on weekends in the CBD area and Fortitude Valley. The speed limits for shared e-scooters will also be lowered to 15 kph between midnight and 5 AM across Brisbane.

Bundaberg

The city is currently under a 12-month trial, which started last April 2021. Neuron Mobility shared e-scooters are available within the Bundaberg CBD area bounded by the botanic gardens, hospital, and the East Bundaberg tourism precinct. It also includes the Bargara foreshore. All e-scooters are equipped with geofence to ensure riders don’t go out of designated areas and parking locations.

Townsville

The City of Townsville permitted Neuron and Beam to operate their e-scooters within the city. However, riders are not permitted to use these e-scooters in the following areas and times:

• On Castle Hill at any time
• Palmer Street between Dean Street and Plume Streets from 5:30 pm – 6 am daily
• Flinders Street East between Denham Street, Wickham and King Streets on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 pm – 6 am
• Flinders Street between Denham and Stanley Streets on Sundays from 3 am – 3 pm.

E-scooter top speed is 20 kph, but it is also limited in specific locations for safety. Riders must follow Australian Road Rules and are subject to penalties in case of any breaches.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton will start a 12-month e-scooter trial by the end of February 2022. Neuron is the approved shared e-scooter platform that will launch a fleet of 300 e-scooters in the city. The units include safety features, such as an app-controlled helmet lock and voice guidance.

Yarrabah

Last year, the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council expressed its interest to implement e-scooter transport, becoming the first Indigenous local council to use electric transportation systems. As of writing, no additional news is available regarding e-scooter trials.

Ipswich

The Ipswich City Council revealed plans to run a six-month e-scooter trial in Springfield Central by late 2022. Possible trial locations include Ipswich CBD, Springfield, and Ripley. The e-scooter trial could extend depending on the trial results.

E-scooter Trial in Victoria (VIC)

Victoria began trialling a shared e-scooter scheme in Melbourne, Yarra, Port Phillip, and Ballarat for 12 months. The trial aims to understand how e-scooters can be added to the city’s transport network. Lime and Neuron are the approved shared e-scooters during the trial.

The e-scooters can only travel at a top speed of 20 kph on shared paths, bicycle lanes, and low-speed roads. Riders can’t travel on footpaths. Moreover, they must follow the same rules as bike riders, such as wearing a helmet and giving way to pedestrians on shared paths.

The shared e-scooters are equipped with geofencing technology to enforce ‘no go’ and ‘go slow’ zones.

E-scooter Trial in South Australia (SA)

Commuters can access shared electric scooters in South Australia within Adelaide and North Adelaide, Coastal Park Trail, City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters, and the City of Unley. The respective councils will monitor and evaluate the trials. Learn more about the approved e-scooter trials in SA at mylicence.sa.gov.au.

Adelaide and North Adelaide

Shared electric scooters in Adelaide are available via Beam and Neuron. Riders must be at least 18 years old to ride these operators. Take note that riders can’t use e-scooters in Rundle Mall at any time and the City West Declared Public Precinct from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM during Fridays and Saturdays. Check the SA Police website for more details.

Note that there may be additional restricted areas, including North Adelaide golf courses, The Adelaide Zoo, and The Adelaide Botanic Garden. Restricted areas may also depend on event days at and around the Adelaide Oval. Check the City of Adelaide’s website for more details.

Coastal Park Trail

Riders travelling at the Coastal Park Path should note that the area is split into northern and southern sections. Areas that e-scooters can’t travel include the area between Recreation Parade, Semaphore Park and Terminus Street, Grange. Participating locations include the city councils of Port Adelaide Enfield, Charles Sturt, and West Torrens.

E-scooters are available between 6 AM and 9 PM daily during Central Daylight Savings Time (6 AM to 6 PM during Central Standard Time). Take note of additional area and speed restrictions and always ride with caution.

Norwood, Payneham and St Peters

Shared e-scooter riders can travel on footpaths and shared paths. Moreover, riders must follow a top speed of 10 kph on footpaths adjacent to State Controlled roads, which includes:

• Dequetteville Terrace
• Hackney Road
• Kensington Road
• The Parade
• Fullarton Road
• Flinders Street
• Rundle Street
• North Terrace
• Portrush Road
• Lower Portrush Road
• Magill Road
• Payneham Road
• Nelson Street
• O.G. Road
• Glynburn Road
• Stephen Terrace

Check the official website of the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters for more details.

City of Unley

The e-scooter trials for Unley launched on February 14, 2022. The trial will run for six months with an option to extend, depending on the results. The approved shared e-scooters can be used on footpaths and shared paths. Riders must follow a top speed of 10 kph along footpaths adjacent to State Controlled roads, including:

• Greenhill Road
• Anzac Highway
• South Road
• Cross Road
• Glen Osmond Road
• Fullarton Road
• Unley Road
• Goodwood Road

Check the official website of the City of Unley for more details on restricted areas.

E-scooter Trial in Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia implemented new laws on e-rideables last December 4, which limits e-scooters to a maximum speed of 25 kph, requires riders to give way to pedestrians and implements a minimum age requirement of 16 years old. Learn more about the electric scooter law in Western Australia.

Stirling

Stirling started to implement an e-scooter trial last February 16 for 12 months, becoming the first Perth council to launch a shared e-scooter scheme. The e-scooters will connect areas such as the Scarborough hub and Trigg Beach, Karrinyup shops, and Stirling Train Station. The city’s approved e-scooter operator is Neuron Mobility.

E-scooter Trial in Tasmania (TAS)

Last year, Tasmania announced its intention to legalise private and shared e-scooters and micro-mobility devices in summer. Participating cities in the trial include Hobart and Launceston.

Hobart

Hobart will work with Beam and Neuron to implement a 12-month e-scooter trial. The e-scooters can be used on most local roads, footpaths, bicycle paths, and shared paths. However, they can’t be used on roads with a speed limit of over 50 kph. The city also required operators to equip rides with geofencing technology. Check more details at Hobart’s website.

Launceston

The 12-month trial for Launceston will begin in a limited capacity with Beam and Neuron as operators. The e-scooters are prohibited in central CBD and key parks and trails. Check the operators’ apps or Launceston’s website for area exclusions.

E-scooter Trial in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Electric scooter law in ACT allows e-scooters in public places if it follows specific requirements. As of writing, Beam and Neuron electric scooters can operate in central Canberra and the Belconnen Town Centre. Recent news states that the trial could expand to all Canberra towns by the end of 2022.

According to the ACT government, the phased expansion will connect the two zones of central Canberra and Belconnen before expanding to Gungahlin, Woden, Tuggeranong, Weston Creek, and Molonglo.

E-scooter Trial in Northern Territory (NT)

Electric scooter law in the Northern Territory only allows approved operators in the city. The City of Darwin will conduct a 12-month trial with Neuron as the approved operator. The shared e-scooter scheme will operate in the Darwin CBD, Mindil Markets, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), Sailing and Trailer Boat Clubs, Darwin Ski Bundilla Beach, and Fannie Bay Shops.

Riders should note key e-scooter parking locations:

• Darwin Waterfront
• Darwin CBD
• Cullen Bay
• Mindil Beach
• Fannie Bay

Check Darwin’s website for more details.

For more information on electric scooter law in Australia and more, check out Mearth’s blogs.