Controversial road rule change set to impact over a million Aussies from July
They're a controversial mode of transport, but from next month, private e-scooters and other electronic mobility devices will be allowed on public roads and even footpaths in one state.
The major road rule change is set to be formally rolled out in South Australia from July 13, impacting the state's 1.8 million residents. It is aimed at easing traffic congestion and providing commuters with more travel options.
Announcing the plan, the state's Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said e-scooters, e-skateboards, e-bikes and other e-mobility devices can now be legally used for people over the age of 16, provided they travel at a maximum of 10 kilometres per hour on footpaths, beaches and shared pathways.
E-scooters will be permitted on the state's roads with speed limits of 60 kilometres per hour or less, but, they are only allowed to do so in the bike lanes with speeds of 25kph or less.
"The state government has taken its time because we want to get this right," Koutsantonis told media.
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"The reason we've taken our time is because this is new technology, and I believe it's going to be embraced. This is a great way of people being able to access carbon-free transport, it's being embraced by young people ... it is a cost-effective way of travelling."
Helmets must be worn and drivers must be cautious of regular road rules, though no licence or registration will be needed for e-devices at this stage.
Electric mobile devices have become increasingly popular in Australia in recent years, but their rapid rise has sparked controversy in many regions due to safety, regulatory, and urban planning concerns.
One of the biggest points of contention is their use on footpaths and roads. In many states, rules differ—some allow e-scooters on bike lanes or roads, while others limit them to specific trial zones. This patchwork of laws has created confusion among users, pedestrians, and law enforcement alike.
Many say their use is underregulated, with accountability in the event of accidents frequently cited as a major concern, particularly due to the fact that the devices are often ridden without helmets, at night, or by inexperienced users, increasing risk.
Clutter caused by e-scooters and bikes, which are often left lying on footpaths, in parks, or across driveways, is also another issue regularly raised.
Though advocates argue that e-devices reduce car dependence and carbon emissions, create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, and reduce traffic levels in big cities.
Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean argued there are several key benefits of e-bikes, emphasising their role in sustainable and efficient transport.
Speaking to Yahoo, he earlier praised the devices for reducing carbon emissions, as they offer a cleaner alternative to cars, particularly for short commutes. He said e-bikes are also more energy-efficient than traditional motor vehicles, contributing to greener cities and reduced traffic congestion.
SA isn't the first state to introduce these laws — public use has already been legalised in Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Tasmania.
"It's going to take a bit of time as well to educate the public about the roll-out of these e-scooters, so the government's beginning an awareness campaign to let people know what the rules are," Koutsantonis said. "We'll be conducting a review 12 months from now just so we can tweak this if we need to."
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