New legislation will allow for privately-owned e-scooters to be used on public roads and paths in South Australia. The Statutes Amendment (Personal Mobility Devices) Bill 2024 will be introduced to parliament this week, and if passed, will mean there will be no requirement for riders to register their vehicle, or to hold a licence.
The legislation proposes a broad accessibility approach, allowing e-scooters on footpaths, bike lanes, and roads, with speed limits up to 50km/h. To ensure safety, speed limits will be regulated, with a maximum speed of 25km/h to be permitted on roads, bike lanes, and separated paths. On footpaths and shared pedestrian paths, the speed limit will be capped at 15km/h.
Riders will be required to wear helmets at all times, and will not be allowed to ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and must at least 16 years old to ride unsupervised. The specifics of the legislation, including speed limits and safety regulations, are yet to be finalised.
Until the Bill passes and regulations are in place, the use of privately-owned e-scooters on public roads and paths remains prohibited, except under trial conditions in specific areas.
“Our consultation with e-scooter users and the broader community showed a clear appetite for an ongoing use of e-scooters and other personal mobility devices like e-skateboards and unicycles to be used in public spaces,” Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said.
“We know that a greater choice of sustainable modes of transport promotes equity and convenience and can help reduce emissions – however most of these devices are not currently legal on our road network.
“Today, I am pleased to be giving notice to introduce new legislation that will pave the way for privately-owned e-scooters and other personal mobility devices to be introduced to South Australian roads with future-proof regulations to keep all road users safe.
“Following commencement of the Bill, personal mobility device fleet hire operations are expected to continue and possibly expand to other locations across the state.”
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