Co-authored by: Isabel Strahan
KEY TAKE-OUTS:
- Motorised scooters, skateboards or hoverboards do not satisfy the Australian Design Rules and therefore, are unable to be insured or registered in NSW.
- The above-mentioned devices are prohibited to be used on roads or footpaths.
- NSW residents could receive an on-the-spot fine of $697.
As people are becoming more environmentally conscious and as petrol prices soar to record levels, alternative transport has been bought to the fore. However, depending on the State or Territory you reside in, you may be unable to use motorised devices to get from point A to point B.
In NSW, although e-Scooters, petrol-powered bicycles, segways, electronic skateboards and hoverboards are considered ‘motor vehicles’, they do not comply with the requirements stipulated in the Australian Design Rules. Therefore, these devices are unable to be insured or registered under NSW law. Consequently, if a resident is found to be using any of the abovementioned devices on a shared road, footpath, or cycleway, they could be issued with an on-the-spot fine of $697.
It is important to note that e-Bikes are still permitted in NSW as their primary propulsion power is through pedalling, the attached motor only assists when riding.
For people living in the ACT or Tasmania, these motor vehicles are still legally able to be used. However, for users in Tasmania, additional training is required to be able to ride.
In the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, and Western Australia, so long as the rider possesses a valid driver’s license, they are permitted to use the motorised device.
Residents of Victoria can use the device so long as the rider obtains additional training and the vehicle complies with the following requirements; not be petrol-powered, be above 200W of power or go above the speed of 10km/hr.
Trials are currently underway in Brisbane for the use of Lime Scooters for use by tourists and locals. Despite this, all future trials of hiring motorised vehicles in NSW would need to go through an expression of interest process and be undertaken concurrently with Transport NSW where this rule would need to be revised.
ABOUT LARA MENON:
Lara joined the Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers Legal team in August 2018 and is currently working as a Lawyer in our Criminal and Family Law team.
Earlier in 2019, Lara was selected by the NSW Law Society to undertake an internship with the NSW Coroner’s Court, working as a Judge’s Associate for the Deputy State Coroner.
For further information please don’t hesitate to contact:
Lara Menon
Senior Associate
info@couttslegal.com.au
1300 268 887
ABOUT ISABEL STRAHAN:
Isabel joined the Coutts team in January 2022, as a Paralegal working within our Family & Criminal teams. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in International Relations and Minoring in Cultural Studies at the University of Wollongong. It is her dedication and hardworking nature that will see her go far within Coutts.
For further information please don’t hesitate to contact:
Isabel Strahan
Paralegal
info@couttslegal.com.au
1300 268 887
Contact Coutts today.
This blog is merely general and non-specific information on the subject matter and is not and should not be considered or relied on as legal advice. Coutts is not responsible for any cost, expense, loss or liability whatsoever to this blog, including all or any reliance on this blog or use or application of this blog by you.
