Victoria is set to permanently legalise share hire e-scooters and introduce a range of new safety measures starting this October. This decision follows a successful two-year trial in regional areas and metropolitan Melbourne.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams highlighted the popularity of e-scooters among commuters, especially shift workers. “E-scooters are here to stay – they’ve proven popular among commuters, especially shift workers, providing an additional option to travel home safely,” Williams stated.
The upcoming regulations will see tougher penalties for e-scooter offences, including increased fines for riding on footpaths, not wearing helmets, riding under the influence of alcohol, and underage riding. New fines will also be introduced for riding as a passenger and for passengers not wearing helmets.
Acknowledging safety concerns, Williams added, “We know there have been safety concerns, and that’s why we have thoroughly assessed their use and are introducing some of the toughest new laws in the country to make e-scooters safer.”
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) will work closely with councils and e-scooter operators to implement additional safety measures for share hire e-scooters. These measures will include footpath detection and other technologies to enhance the safety of both riders and pedestrians.
In 2024, new legislation will be introduced to establish requirements for e-scooter share hire operators. These requirements will be enforced through a prequalification scheme to ensure operators meet minimum safety standards.
As part of the changes, the DTP will trial and roll out various safety technologies. These include cognitive reaction testing to reduce drink and drug-affected riding, systems to disable e-scooters without attached helmets, and helmet verification technologies.
Existing road rules will remain in place, such as mandatory helmet use, a minimum rider age of 16, and a prohibition on riding on footpaths and driving under the influence. E-scooters will continue to be restricted to a maximum speed of 20 km/h and will only be allowed on roads with speed limits of 60 km/h or less. Share hire e-scooters will be legal only in council areas with operator agreements.
The government will support councils that introduce share hire schemes by providing updated guidance and best practice advice on managing these schemes, including parking management and operator insurance requirements.
The new regulations, along with a safety campaign in partnership with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), will take effect in October 2024.
