Considering purchasing an e-Scooter for a Christmas present this year? Know the rules.

VICTORIA Police are pleading with parents to do their research before considering buying their child an e-scooter this Christmas.

E-scooters have been increasing in popularity within the Geelong region and have been permanently legalised in Victoria.

The legalising of the scooters means people can ride a hire scheme or privately owned e-scooter under strict rules, with penalties applied for e-scooter riders who breach the rules.

Senior Constable Dee Kuchenmeister said the priority was to ensure roads and footpaths remain safe for all road users, with rules in place to keep riders and other road users safe.

“Police will be actively monitoring e-scooter use and won’t tolerate reckless riding that puts others in harm’s way.

“We aim to educate riders wherever possible, but for serious breaches or blatant rule-breaking, fines will be issued.”

Victoria Police are asking parents to consider some main points including riders must be over 16 years old to legally rider an e-scooter on a Victorian road and take the time to educate their child on the current road rules and appropriate behaviour.

E-scooter riders must:

• Not exceed the maximum speed of 20kmh
• Ride only on shared paths and roads that have a speed limit up to 60km/h
• Wear a helmet at all times
• Follow road rules, and
• Use lights and reflectors at night.
• E-scooter riders cannot:
• Ride on footpaths
• Use mobile phones while riding
• Ride while under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Carry passengers or animals or ride in tandem
• Ride a high-speed e-scooter, one capable of more than 25kmh, or
• Ride on roads that have a speed limit over 60kmh.

For more information on the rules and regulations, head to police.vic.gov.au/electric-powered-scooters-e-scooters

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