On 30 November 2009 there will be some changes to the road rules for motorised scooters.

PLEASE NOTE:  Motorised scooters referred to here DO NOT include motorised wheelchairs or the typical electric scooters used by people with mobility difficulties

Motorised Scooters

For the purposes of the Road Rules these low powered motorised scooters will be treated the same as riders of foot-powered scooters, skateboards and rollerblades (ie 'wheeled recreational devices').

A person riding a motorised scooter that is powered by a motor or motors not exceeding a maximum power output of 200 watts, will now be permitted to ride on paths and some roads. These are motorised scooters having two or more wheels and a footboard supported by the wheels, steered by handlebars and designed to be used by one person.

The new rules

The riders of motorised scooters will in future be required to wear an approved bicycle helmet; and as with other wheeled recreational devices, motorised scooters:

• can be used on paths and roads where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less but cannot be used on roads with dividing lines or median strips;
• must keep to the left on roads and paths and must not be ridden two abreast;
• must not be used on the road at night except if crossing by the shortest route, for example at an intersection, although they can be used on paths at night; and
• must give way to walkers and be ridden with due care and attention.

If you intend riding a motorised scooter make sure the scooter does not have a motor (or motors) with a power output that exceeds 200 watts, wear an approved bicycle helmet and obey all of the road rules applying to the riders of wheeled recreational devices.

Also do not use a motorised scooter in areas that display either of the signs below.

Road safety reasons

• Unless properly used, wheeled recreational devices including small motorised scooters can be dangerous. Scooter riders often move quicker than walkers and joggers and drivers might have difficulty seeing you in traffic. Remember, drivers are more likely to be looking out for cars and other vehicles, not small scooters.
• Walkers on paths are sometimes surprised by scooter riders or skaters and often can't hear you approaching, which is why you must give way to them and keep to the left so they know where you are going.
   
• Fact Sheet(122KB)