ACT Policing has issued a reminder to the riders of e-scooters around town that they have obligations to ride safely and legally.
Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective Inspector Marcus Boorman said e-scooters can be ridden in many areas, but users have to remember they are responsible for their own safety, and that of others.
“It is legal to use e-scooters on shared paths and footpaths; however, riders must give way to pedestrians,” DI Boorman said.
“E-scooters are not permitted on roads or on-road bicycle lanes, except on residential streets where there is no footpath. E-scooters are also not permitted along the light rail corridor and users should always obey pedestrian traffic lights when crossing at lights,” he said.
“A rider of an e-scooter must wear an approved bicycle helmet and the e-scooter must have a warning device such as a bell.
He said that if the rider planned to use the e-scooter at night or in inclement weather, either the scooter or the rider must be fitted with a light and reflectors.
‘An e-scooter rider cannot be under the influence of alcohol or a drug or use a mobile phone while riding,” DI Boorman said.
The speed limit for an e-scooter on a shared footpath or cycle path is 25km/h, 15km/h for footpaths and must slow down to 10km/h when at a crossing.
The fine for each offence for e-scooter riders failing to follow the legislation is presently $153.
“We’re not here to spoil anyone’s fun,” DI Boorman said, “but like any vehicle there are risks when you think you’re above the rules.
“There have been serious injuries from people riding on e-scooters in other States and that’s what we’re trying to avoid.
More information on using e-scooters around town can be accessed from Transport Canberra at this PS News link.
