By Parker McKenzie
Private e-scooters will now be legal on Victorian roads from Wednesday April 5, after the state government announced changes to their use.
Minister for Roads and Safety Melissa Horne announced an extension of an ongoing e-scooter trial in Melbourne and Ballarat, alongside changes to private e-scooter use.
“We know e-scooters are popular with many Victorians, so we’re extending the trial in Victoria under these strict regulations to ensure people travel responsibly and safely,” she said in a statement.
“Riders should always wear a helmet, stick to the speed limit, only ride on roads under 60km/h and never ride on the footpath or with another person.”
Privately owned scooters can be legally ridden on shared-use paths and roads with a speed limit of up to 60km/h, the rider is over 16 years old and is wearing a helmet, the rider isn’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the rider doesn’t exceed 20km/h and aren’t using a mobile phone of carrying a passenger and the scooter isn’t capable of exceeding 25km/h.
According to the state government, “e-scooter share schemes will be able to operate with the approval of local councils.” Yarra Ranges Council and Knox City Council currently have no plans to enter an e-scooter rideshare agreement, meaning rentable e-scooters will not be available in the LGA anytime soon.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the organisation has only just been provided detail about the extension of the Department of Transport and Planning’s e-scooter trial.
“We will now take the time to understand the changes before making any further comment.” the spokesperson said.
