Overview

From July 2022, electric scooter shared schemes are being trialled in NSW. Riders at trial locations will be allowed to hire and ride electric scooters (e-scooters). It’s important whether we are riding, driving or walking to all look out for each other during the trial.

The trial is expected to last for 12 months and will be evaluated and monitored by Transport for NSW.

Personal e-scooters remain illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas, including footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes. They can only be used on private property.

Lake Macquarie trial

• The Lake Macquarie e-scooter trial started on 5 December 2022. As part of the trial, people will be able to ride e-scooters supplied by selected providers on designated shared paths only
• E-scooters are not permitted on the road or footpaths
• You must be 16 years old and over to use the trial’s shared scheme e-scooters
• You must not exceed 10km/h on shared paths. The e-scooters provided in this trial will be limited to this maximum speed on shared paths
• They are available for use on four tracks only in Lake Macquarie:
  • the Fernleigh Track
  • the Croudace Bay foreshore
  • the Warners Bay foreshore and up to Glendale
  • the Toronto foreshore to Fassifern train station.

E-scooter Shared Scheme Trials were run in the Western Sydney Parklands and Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan between the end of July 2022 and the end of October 2022.

General trial rules and tips for e-scooter riders

• You can only use shared e-scooters hired through an approved e-scooter provider in trial areas. Privately owned e-scooters are not allowed on NSW roads or related areas (including in trial areas)
• You must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times when riding an e-scooter
• You must use the e-scooter lights when riding in darkness or hazardous weather conditions
• A BAC limit of 0.05 applies when riding an e-scooter. If you are drinking, don’t ride an e-scooter
• E-scooter riders are also subject to the same drug driving offences as motor vehicle drivers. You cannot have illicit drugs present in your system or ride while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
• If you are caught drink or drug riding, serious penalties apply and you may face consequences for your driver’s licence
• You do not need a driver’s licence to ride an e-scooter
• Always wear brightly coloured clothing so other road users can see you easily
• Please ride predictably and indicate clearly, so other people are aware of your intentions
• Shared e-scooter scheme operators are required to have appropriate insurance cover for their devices. You may consider insurance for personal injury or property damage but this is not a trial requirement.

Sharing the road with e-scooter riders as a bicycle rider:

• When overtaking e-scooters, please ensure it is safe to do so and leave enough space
• Look out for e-scooter riders when riding in bicycle lanes, on share paths and on roads with speed limits less than 50km/h.

Tips for pedestrians:

• Remember to always keep an eye out for e-scooter riders by checking before crossing the road, bicycle lanes and on shared paths
• E-scooters are not allowed to ride on the footpath.

Electric scooter offences that may apply