Canberrans reminded of electric scooter safety
With the number of e-scooters, both privately-owned and hired, increasing rapidly in Canberra, ACT Policing is issuing a reminder to riders of their obligations regarding safe and legal riding of e-scooters.
ACT Policing Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective Inspector Marcus Boorman said e-scooters can be ridden in many areas, but users have to remember they are responsible for their own safety, and that of others.
“It is legal to use e-scooters on shared paths and footpaths; however, riders must give way to pedestrians,” Detective Inspector Marcus Boorman said.
“E-scooters are not permitted on roads or on-road bicycle lanes, except on residential streets where there is no footpath. E-scooters are also not permitted along the light rail corridor and users should always obey pedestrian traffic lights when crossing at lights.
“A rider of an e-scooter must wear an approved bicycle helmet and the e-scooter must have a warning device such as a bell.
“If the rider plans to use the e-scooter at night or in inclement weather, the e-scooters or the rider, must be fitted with a light and reflectors.”
An e-scooter rider cannot be under the influence of alcohol or a drug or use a mobile phone while riding.
The speed limit for an e-scooter on a shared footpath or cycle path is 25km/h, 15km/h for footpaths and must slow down to 10km/h when at a crossing.
The fine for each offence for e-scooter riders failing to follow the legislation is presently $153.
While ACT Policing has not yet issued any infringements, Detective Inspector Boorman said officers would not tolerate riders taking unnecessary risks.
“It is great to see Canberrans out enjoying the warming weather and trying this new mode of transport but never forget to be safe,” Detective Inspector Boorman said.
“We’re not here to spoil anyone’s fun but like any vehicle there are risks when you think you’re above the rules. There have been serious injuries from people riding on e-scooters in other states and that’s what we’re trying to avoid.
“There are laws surrounding the use of e-scooters and other personal mobility devices, I would encourage anyone looking to use one to make sure they are familiar with the rules before they do so.”
For more information on using e-scooters please visit the Transport Canberra e-scooter webpage. The full legislation can be found at Section 244D to 244J in ACT Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au