2019-12-17
Minister for Justice, Consumer Affairs and Road Safety, Shane Rattenbury, today announced changes that mean e-scooters and similar e-mobility devices will be legal to ride in the ACT by Christmas.
“Many ACT residents are keen to take advantage of e-scooters and similar e-mobility devices. I’m pleased to announce that these devices will be legal for personal use from 20 December,” said Minister Rattenbury.
“E-mobility provides new and convenient options for travel. They let people leave the car at home, and are easily combined with public transport. With the ACT achieving 100% renewable electricity they can be recharged using clean energy and free of greenhouse gas emissions.
Minister Rattenbury said the key changes are:
• Electric scooters, skateboards etc will be legal to use on shared paths and footpaths.
• They will not be permitted on roads or on-road bicycle lanes (except on residential streets where there is no footpath);
• They will be subject to a maximum speed of 15km/h on footpaths and up to 25km/h in all other permitted locations;
• Users must give way to pedestrians and keep to the left.
Minister Rattenbury said that safety is a key part of the reforms and as such there are minimum safety standards that apply. When using one of these devices you must:
• Wear an approved bicycle helmet
• Slow down to 10km/h when travelling across a crossing
• Have a warning device such as a bell fitted to your device or that is otherwise accessible
• Have lights and reflectors on either the device or your person when using these devices at night or in hazardous weather conditions
• Not ride while using a mobile phone or similar
• Not be impaired by alcohol.
“These are convenient and fun new devices, but I remind people to be responsible for their and others’ safety. Speed limits are the maximum, not the recommendation. People must be considerate of other users and travel at a safe speed for the conditions. People should take care and learn to use the devices carefully before using them,” said Minister Rattenbury.
To find out about the new rules and which devices are eligible visit http://www.justice.act.gov.au/ .