By Parker McKenzie
Private e-scooters are now legal on Victorian roads after the state government announced changes to their use from Wednesday 5 April.
Minister for Roads and Safety Melissa Horne announced an extension of an ongoing e-scooter trial in Melbourne and Ballarat, alongside changes to private e-scooter use.
“We know e-scooters are popular with many Victorians, so we’re extending the trial in Victoria under these strict regulations to ensure people travel responsibly and safely,” she said in a statement.
“Riders should always wear a helmet, stick to the speed limit, only ride on roads under 60km/h and never ride on the footpath or with another person.”
Privately owned scooters can be legally ridden on shared-use paths and roads with a speed limit of up to 60km/h, the rider is over 16 years old and is wearing a helmet, the rider isn’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the rider doesn’t exceed 20km/h and aren’t using a mobile phone of carrying a passenger and the scooter isn’t capable of exceeding 25km/h.
According to the state government, “e-scooter share schemes will be able to operate with the approval of local councils.” Yarra Ranges Council and Knox City Council currently have no plans to enter an e-scooter rideshare agreement, meaning rentable e-scooters will not be available in the LGA anytime soon.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the organisation has only just been provided detail about the extension of the Department of Transport and Planning’s e-scooter trial.
“We will now take the time to understand the changes before making any further comment.” the spokesperson said.
