There are now tougher fines for breaching e-scooter laws. Photo: City of Melbourne.
New rules for the use of e-scooters have kicked in for Victoria, including greater fines for breaching them, following a two-year trial.
The popular form of quick transport can now be legally operated on a permanent basis in the local government areas where agreements are in place between council and with share hire operators.
Private scooters can still be used across Victoria, but share hire e-scooters are only legal in council areas where such agreements are in place.
The main road rules will remain unchanged, with riders needing to be at least 16 years old, not travel at more than 20 kilometres per hour and only ride on roads with a maximum speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour or less.
Fines are increasing for riding without a helmet to $395, riding on a footpath to $296 and carrying a passenger to $247.
E-scooter passengers will also face a new fine of at least $247, and this sum will increase to $642 if they are also not wearing a helmet.
Riders caught riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol are subject to the same rules as motorists and will also have their vehicle licence automatically suspended and have an interlock fitted to their vehicle for at least six months.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the government recognised the value of e-scooters for thousands of Victorians wanting to travel home safely.
A new advertising campaign will help improve awareness of the law and consequences of unsafe riding.
“E-scooters have proven a popular option for Victorians to travel home safely and we are improving awareness of Victoria’s strengthened laws to keep riders safe,” Ms Williams said.
“We know there have been safety concerns, and that’s why we’re introducing some of the toughest new laws in the country, alongside a new education campaign to make them safer.”
The advertising campaign has been launched in partnership with TAC, to promote safe riding and reinforce the tough new penalties that have now come into effect.
The Department of Transport and Planning will continue to work closely with councils and e-scooter hire operators to introduce additional safeguards for share e-scooter schemes to further improve safety for riders and pedestrians.
Next year, new laws will set minimum standards for share-hire e-scooter companies.
These companies will need to be prequalified to operate in Victoria, including installing new safety technology on their e-scooters
