The Road Safety Commission says new laws on the use of e-Rideables will come into effect on 4 December, ensuring the State’s road rules keep up with changes in technology.
In a statement, the Commission defined e-Rideables as electric-powered devices not capable of travelling faster than 25 km/h, including e-scooters, electric unicycles, electric skateboards, electric roller skates, one-wheel electric scooters and hoverboards.
The Commission said the new laws included a speed limit on bike and shared paths and local roads of 25 km/h, and on footpaths and in pedestrian areas of 10km/h.
It said users would be required to give way to pedestrians and keep to the left of oncoming riders and must be at least 16 years of age.
The Commission said users must wear an approved helmet, use lights and reflectors at night and have a working warning device, while the same mobile phone and drink and drug driving rules would apply as for motor vehicle drivers.
“Under existing Western Australian rules, children under the age of 16 can use motorised scooters with a maximum power output of 200w and maximum speed of 10 km/h; this provision will not change,” it said.
Minister for Road Safety, Paul Papalia said e-Rideables contributed to more vibrant and sustainable cities; they added to transport choice; and could be a convenient, environmentally-friendly way of getting around.
“In many modern cities around the world, you’ll see e-scooters being used as people get out and connect with their communities,” Mr Papalia said.
“These changes are about our road rules keeping up with advances in technology and making sure e-Rideable use is both legal and safe,” he said.
