e-scooter safety

Strict trial road safety rules apply to both commercial and private e-scooters focus on safety for riders, other road users and pedestrians. We will also work with key stakeholders to ensure appropriate standards are applied to e-scooters and safety equipment. We have banned e-scooters from footpaths. Unlike most other jurisdictions in Australia, Victoria totally prohibits e-scooters on footpaths and riders who violate this rule will be subject to penalties. We expect hire operators to provide a high level of third-party insurance to cover pedestrians and other road users. Lime have already upgraded their third-party insurance coverage in Victoria.

It is important to recognise that all forms of transport carry inherent risks. By regulating the use of e-scooters, the Government recognises its role in mitigating accidents by limiting how and when e-scooters may be used. The evidence gathered during the e-scooter trial highlights that safety risks increase significantly when riders do not follow safety-based rules. Riders who do not comply with safety regulations, such as not wearing a properly fitted helmet, riding at high speeds, and riding while intoxicated face significantly higher risks. We recognise that there are safety concerns associated with e-scooter use and have taken steps to regulate e-scooter use in order to improve safety outcomes for e-scooter users and for those who interact with them on the transport network.

Like bikes, private e-scooters will be responsible for their own insurance or bearing any costs as a result of an accident caused by the rider.

E-scooters, like bicycles, are not covered by TAC insurance for accidents involving other e-scooters, bikes, pedestrians or where there was otherwise no other vehicle involved.  However, e-scooter riders involved in an accident with a motor vehicle will be eligible for compensation through the TAC.

E-scooters will be banned from being ridden on footpaths. Even if e-scooters are not being ridden on footpaths, parking of e-scooters on footpaths can create an access issue for people with reduced mobility, disability, or vision impairment. The City of Ballarat has already begun trialling designated parking areas for e-scooters, and councils will continue to collaborate with operators and the state government to address issues such as footpath clutter and poor parking.

Throughout the trial, we actively sought feedback from stakeholders and the broader community regarding the safety concerns associated with e-scooters traveling on footpaths.  The overwhelming feedback we received was that e-scooters pose an unacceptable risk to vulnerable pedestrians, such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities, including those with visual impairments.  Based on this feedback, it is clear that e-scooters, like bicycles, should not be allowed on footpaths as they pose a significant danger to all pedestrians.

In line with other personal micromobility devices like bikes and e-bikes, e-scooters are permitted to travel on shared-use paths.  Shared-use paths are designated spaces specifically designed—and signed—for use by both pedestrians and personal micromobility devices, including skateboards, rollerblades, and now, e-scooters.  This allows for safe and efficient travel for all users while minimising the risk of conflicts between pedestrians and personal micromobility devices.  In an extension to the trial e-scooters will also be able to be used on roads up to 60km/h.

The main issue for pedestrian safety with e-scooters is the high number of e-scooters being ridden on footpaths. To address this issue, education and enforcement measures will be implemented to discourage e-scooter riders from using footpaths and encourage them to use shared-use paths or low speed roads instead. Bikes are also not allowed to travel on footpaths.

All devices that use lithium-ion batteries pose a potential fire risk. The communication campaign for e-scooters will cover the electrical and fire safety risks of these products.  This will include the need to store and charge e-scooters away from points of egress, how to safely dispose of spent batteries, warning signs that a battery is unsafe, and the safe handling and disposal of e-scooters which have been damaged in an accident.

Yes, although we are encouraging Standards Australia to consider if specific helmet standards for e-scooters are warranted.