The Victorian Government is to allow share hire e-scooters to operate across the State and plans to introduce new e-scooter rules – including tougher penalties for misuse, and mandated new technology to improve e-scooter safety.
Following a successful two-year trial in regional areas and metropolitan Melbourne, e‑scooters will be permanently legalised with additional safety and compliance measures from October.
Under the changes, fines will increase for e-scooter offences including riding on the footpath, not wearing a helmet, drinking alcohol while riding and underage riding.
New offences with significant fines will also be introduced for riding as a passenger and not wearing a helmet as a passenger.
“E-scooters are here to stay – they’ve proven popular among commuters, especially shift workers, providing an additional option to travel home safely,” said Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams.
“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.”
