South Australians aged 16 and over are now legally allowed to ride privately owned e-scooters and other similar devices on roads and footpaths. Despite their reputation as a symbol of fun and convenience, strict rules apply to riders of these devices, and breaking the law can result in fines, demerit points and even imprisonment. Here’s what you need to know before clearing a space in your garage for your newest ride.
Which devices are now legal to ride?
New laws which commenced in July 2025 permit South Australians to ride a class of vehicles known as “personal mobility devices” on roads and footpaths. These devices may include e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles.
Whether any of these ridable devices fall within the framework depends on their specifications. To be classed as a personal mobility device, a device must meet the following specifications:
- have one or more wheels;
- be propelled by one or more electric motors;
- be designed for use by a single person only;
- have an effective stopping system controlled by using brakes, gears or motor control;
- be no more than 1250mm in length, 700mm in width and 1350mm in height;
- weigh no more than 45 kilograms when not carrying a person or other load;
- have no sharp protrusions; and
- meet any applicable electrical safety standards.
It is important to note that not all e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-unicycles on store shelves will fall within these parameters. Any device that does not, will be defined as a “motor vehicle” and can’t be legally ridden. Owners should therefore exercise caution before ‘getting behind the wheel’ to avoid potential penalties.
Other devices such as electric bicycles, bicycles or scooters powered by combustion engines and motorised wheelchairs are not subject to the personal mobility devices framework.
Riding a personal mobility device
Unlike motor vehicles, personal mobility devices do not need to be registered, and riders don’t need to hold a driver’s licence. Having said that, some personal mobility device offences can attract demerit points, meaning irresponsible behaviour on the road could nevertheless impact your licence.
Because riders are not required to hold a licence, personal mobility devices are not covered by the compulsory third party insurance scheme. Riders should be aware that in the absence of insurance, they may be personally liable for potentially costly third party injuries and damages.
Riders must abide by the road rules relating to bicycles including wearing a securely fitted and fastened helmet (unless otherwise exempt) and displaying lights while riding at night.
What riders must not do
Despite the freedoms associated with operating a personal mobility device, several road safety rules and restrictions apply to their use. Below is a non-exhaustive list of things you must not do as the rider of a personal mobility device:
- use a mobile phone while riding;
- leave the scene of an accident in which the rider is involved and in which a person is killed or injured without stopping and rendering assistance;
- ride carelessly, recklessly or dangerously;
- ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- ride on a road, bicycle path or separated footpath at a speed exceeding 25 kph;
- ride on a footpath or shared path, beach, or crossing a road, at a speed exceeding 10 kph;
- ride at a speed exceeding safe speed in the circumstances;
- ride on a length of road with a speed limit greater than 50 kph, unless the device is an e scooter, in which case it may be ridden on a road with a speed limit of between 50 and 60kph provided it is ridden in the bicycle lane;
- ride past a no wheeled recreational device or toys sign;
- cause or permit another person to ride or be carried on the device at the same time;
- cause or permit a person under 16 years to ride or be carried on a device in your possession or control;
- ride while towing a vehicle; or
- ride on a road, footpath or other road-related area alongside another personal mobility device, wheeled recreation device etc
- refuse to provide your name, date of birth and address to a police officer on request.
What if I am charged with a personal mobility device related offence?
If you have been charged with an offence relating to the use of a personal mobility device, particularly if you are facing the loss of your licence or a term of imprisonment, it is important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Traffic law is a technical and complex area in which most charges are defended on the basis of technicalities. The team at Stanley Hill Elkins are well regarded for their highly skilled legal knowledge and experience in successfully defending traffic law charges.
2 Responses
Passing clear legislation to legalize privately owned electric scooters on public roads is a massive step forward for modern urban micro-mobility and eco-friendly commuting. Establishing fair speed limits and mandatory helmet laws ensures that personal scooter riders can safely share transit space alongside traditional motor vehicles. Personally, clear legal guidelines give riders immense confidence to ditch cars for daily city trips. Do you expect strict enforcement on footpath speed limits?
Hi Saleh
For the laws to work, there has to be strict enforcement. While I would love to see speed limits enforced, I have never seen any attempt to enforce laws for other speed limited vehicles, eg mobility scooters, on footpaths. Going forward, I think there have to be restrictions on the types of electric scooters sold in Australia, with penalties (including forfeiture) for modifying them.
Karen Stanley