Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Scooters

Electric scooters for adults in Australia have increased in demand due to their proven convenience, affordability, and eco-friendliness. If you are still considering buying an e-scooter, this article lists down and answers all the frequently asked questions about electric scooters. Learn the answers to your questions before you buy an electric scooter online or in retail stores.

General Questions

What is an Electric Scooter?

An electric scooter is a personal electric mobility device that weighs less than 45 kg (100 lbs), uses an electric scooter motor, and runs a max speed of 25 kph. Unlike a manual kick scooter, an e-scooter operates when a rider presses the throttle. The throttle sends a signal to the battery to release power to the motor. The motor then produces energy to move the e-scooter forward.

Can Electric Scooters Go Uphill?

Yes. Electric scooters for adults can ride uphill. However, note that each e-scooter can only ride different kinds of slopes. Most commuter e-scooters ride inclines with a 10-15% hill grade. Meanwhile, high-performance and off-road e-scooters can ride steeper slopes. When choosing an e-scooter, it would be helpful to conduct an electric scooter uphill test to know if an e-scooter model can climb hills. Learn more about riding electric scooters uphill.

Can I Ride an Electric Scooter in the Rain?

Although some e-scooters can take on water splashes from all angles, it is not recommended to ride an e-scooter when it is raining. An e-scooter can be damaged when ridden in wet conditions, regardless of its specs or IP rating. Read our guide on riding an e-scooter in wet conditions and how to prevent your e-scooter from getting wet.

Can I Bring an Electric Scooter on a Plane?

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) prohibits lithium-ion batteries over 100Wh in carry-on luggage and over 160 Wh in checked baggage. Unfortunately, most commuter e-scooters have a battery capacity of over 100Wh, which prohibits e-scooters on aircraft. It will only be allowed if an e-scooter is designated as a mobility aid for disabled people. Learn more about bringing an electric scooter on public transportation.

Where Can I Park My Electric Scooter?

You may park your e-scooter in bike racks or at any designated e-scooter parking spot. Avoid parking the e-scooter on private property, at bus stops, doorways, emergency exits, and pathways. Here are a few tips to park your electric scooter in public.

Can I Push an Electric Scooter Manually like a Kick Scooter?

Some electric scooters for adults allow e-scooters to push them when they run out of battery. However, most e-scooters can’t be ridden manually. When the battery drains, you need to get off your e-scooter and carry or push it until you reach your destination. Choose a dual electric scooter if you want to use your e-scooter manually once the battery depletes.

Electric Scooter Law in Australia FAQs

Are Electric Scooters Legal in Australia?

Most states and territories in Australia allow e-scooters on private and public property. However, only ACT and Queensland allow commuters to ride private e-scooters. Currently, the rest of the states only allow the approved shared e-scooter platform to be used in public. Moreover, some states only allow private e-scooters in public if it meets specified requirements. Read more about the electric scooter laws in Australia per state.

What is the Speed Limit for Electric Scooters?

The general speed limit in Australia is 25 kph. However, the top speed in Western Australia, Victoria, and parts of Queensland is 10 kph. Avoid going over or near the speed limit to prevent incurring a penalty or fine.

Are Electric Scooters Allowed on Footpaths?

Most states in Australia allow riders to ride on footpaths. These include ACT, Queensland, Northern Territory, Victoria, and Tasmania. Riders living in New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia should ride on designated lanes, paths, and areas for e-scooters. Check your city’s e-scooter laws to ensure which areas allow e-scooters.

Do I Need a License to Ride an Adult Electric Scooter?

States such as South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland allow e-scooter riders to ride a normal driver’s license. Meanwhile, riders in New South Wales, ACT, Tasmania, and Victoria must undergo training and must have an e-scooter that meets the law’s requirements. Check with your city’s e-scooter law before buying an e-scooter.

What is the Recommended Age to Ride an Electric Scooter?

The average acceptable age for riding e-scooters is 16 years old. Meanwhile, ages below 12 years are prohibited from riding e-scooters in public without adult supervision. Check with your city’s e-scooter law as the age restriction could change in the future. Check out the frequently asked questions on electric scooter law in Australia to learn more.

Electric Scooter Maintenance FAQs

What is the Lifespan of an Electric Scooter?

An average electric scooter lasts around three to five years or more. The actual lifespan of your e-scooter depends on how you care for your e-scooter. So, ride it properly, don’t push it to its limits, and keep your e-scooter in top shape.

Where Do I Get Spare Parts and Service for My Electric Scooter?

In case you damage your e-scooter, get in touch with your retailer or manufacturer for spare parts or repair service. You may also bring your e-scooter to an electric vehicle shop or an electric scooter repair shop in Australia. For Mearth customers, you may request a repair via our website.

What are Common Electric Scooter Problems?

Common electric scooter problems that you might encounter include punctured tyres, faulty wirings, faulty controllers, and damaged motors. Some may also encounter battery issues, such as a faulty or non-functioning battery.

How Do I Fix an Electric Scooter Battery that Doesn’t Charge?

If a battery doesn’t charge, it means that it has a defective charger, wire, or port, or that it has become over-discharged and can no longer be recharged. If you encounter this situation, you will either need to inspect your e-scooter battery or replace it. Here is our guide on how to fix an e-scooter battery that doesn’t charge.

How Do I Replace an Electric Scooter Battery?

When your electric scooter battery no longer charges or turns on, it may be time to replace your e-scooter. Moreover, change your e-scooter if you see signs of damage, burn, or leaks. You may follow our guide on e-scooter battery replacement. However, it is recommended to have a professional change your e-scooter for your safety and convenience.

How Do I Change My Electric Scooter Tyres?

Changing tyres depends on the kind of e-scooter and tyres that you have. Mearth provides a step-by-step guide on changing the tyres of your Mearth GTS Series e-scooter or Mearth S Series e-scooter.

Buying an Electric Scooter FAQs

Are Electric Scooters Safe?

Adult electric scooters for sale offer a safe way to travel. Thanks to technology, most e-scooters are equipped with efficient and safe braking systems. Moreover, learn how to ride an e-scooter properly to avoid accidents and injuries.

How Much Do Electric Scooters Cost?

Electric scooters cost range from $300 to over $3000. Budget electric scooters tend to cost around $300 to $500, while average commuter e-scooters cost from $500 to $1200. On the other hand, high-performance electric scooters cost from $1200 to over $3000. Check out this electric scooter cost guide to learn more about the retail price of e-scooters.

What are the Factors that You Should Look for When Buying an Electric Scooter?

If you want to get the most from your e-scooter, some of the specs and features that you should consider are the range, battery capacity, portability, safety, and price of your e-scooter. An e-scooter that offers good value for money includes decent specs for its category and complete features. Read the 5 things to look for when buying your first electric scooter to find the right e-scooter for you.