The following electric scooter laws QLD apply to all areas within Queensland, including Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast etc.
Discover the rules and regulations governing electric scooter usage in Brisbane, Australia. Since the initial trial in 2018, Brisbane has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of e-scooter riders and pedestrians. This guide outlines the latest guidelines and penalties, as well as approved riding areas. Stay informed to enjoy a smooth and lawful scootering experience.
1. Electric Scooter Trial in Brisbane
In 2018, Brisbane became the first Australian city to trial electric Lime scooters, paving the way for innovative urban mobility solutions. Despite the trial's success, strict limitations were imposed to ensure rider safety.
2. Riding Guidelines
2.1 Speed and Riding Surfaces
To prioritize pedestrian safety, e-scooters must not exceed 25km/h and should be used primarily on footpaths rather than roads or cycle lanes. Limited access to roads is permitted in specific circumstances, such as designated crossings and local streets with a speed limit of 50km/h or less.
2.2 Helmet Requirement
For the safety of riders, wearing an approved bicycle helmet is mandatory when operating an e-scooter in Brisbane.
3. Extended E-Scooter Trial
Due to the positive response, Brisbane City Council extended the e-scooter trial for an additional 12 months in May 2020. This extension aimed to introduce e-scooters into suburban areas. Lime and competitor Neuron were granted permits, allowing Lime to deploy up to 400 e-scooters and Neuron to operate 600 e-scooters.
4. Updated Regulations as of November 2022
4.1 Footpath Speed Limits
New regulations implemented on November 1, 2022, require e-scooter riders to adhere to a maximum speed limit of 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths, unless otherwise specified.
4.2 Fines and Penalties
To discourage dangerous behavior, fines for offenses related to speed, illegal road use, mobile phone usage, and alcohol consumption while riding have been increased. Examples of fines include:
Exceeding the speed limit by:
1-13km/h = $143
14-20km/h = $215
20-30km/h = $359
30km/h = $575
Other offenses:
Riding with two or more people = $143
Holding a phone = $1078
Drinking alcohol while riding = $431
Using a scooter on a prohibited road = $172
Riding without a helmet = $143
5. Authorized Riding Areas
5.1 Path Regulations
When riding an electric scooter, skateboard, or unicycle, it is essential to observe certain rules:
- Keep left and yield to pedestrians.
- Adjust your speed according to the surroundings.
- Maintain a safe distance from pedestrians to avoid collisions.
- Keep left of oncoming bicycles and other personal mobility devices.
5.2 Paths and Speed Limits
Footpaths: Maximum speed limit of 12km/h.
Shared paths: Maximum speed limit of 12km/h, unless otherwise specified.
Separated paths (e.g., by bollards or raised median strips): Maximum speed limit of 25km/h, unless otherwise specified.
Bicycle paths: Maximum speed limit of 25km/h, unless otherwise specified.
*It is advisable to contact your local council for any specific local laws regarding electric scooter, skateboard, or unicycle usage.
5.3 Roads
Bike lanes on roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less: Maximum speed limit of 25km/h.
Any physically separated bike lane: Maximum speed limit of 25km/h.
Local streets with a speed limit of 50km/h or less and no dividing line: Maximum speed limit of 25km/h.
Conclusion
The major differences between the old rules and the 2022 new rules:
- Speed limits on footpaths and shared paths are now set at 12kph, unless otherwise specified. The 25kph limit remains in place for bike paths and roads.
- Fines for dangerous offenses, such as speeding, illegal road use, and mobile phone usage while riding, have been increased to a maximum of $1,078.
- Personal mobility devices (PMDs) are now allowed in bike lanes on roads with a speed limit of 50kph or less, as well as all physically separated on-road bike lanes.
- It is now mandatory for personal mobility devices with handlebars, like e-scooters, to have bells for improved safety and communication.
- Personal mobility device riders are now aligned with bicycle riders and must follow general road rules, including stopping at red lights.
By following the 2022 updated regulations and guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can enjoy safe and legally compliant e-scooter rides in Brisbane. Always prioritize the safety of pedestrians, adhere to speed limits, wear a helmet, and stay informed about local laws to ensure a positive scootering experience.