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It is illegal to ride or use an electric scooter on a road or road related area in NSW. It is legal to sell or buy an electric scooter in NSW however they can only be used on private property.

Not knowing the law is not a defence. If you elect to have the matter heard at court the maximum penalties you face are significantly increased.

There is considerable support for a change to allow electric scooters in NSW. Trials have been conducted in Queensland and are proposed in Newcastle. However the law is not expected to change anytime soon.

Electric bikes have pedals as their primary means of propulsion and are only ‘assisted’ by a motor. Scooters do not have pedal or any other primary means of propulsion nor are the exempt from the law. They are therefore legally classed as a motorcycle.

Electric scooters currently fall into the category of being a registerable vehicle. However, as they don’t meet the Australian Design Standards they are ineligible for registration.

You can only legally ride an electric scooter in NSW on private property. It is illegal to ride them on a road or road related area. Road related areas include carparks and parks.

An electric scooter is legally classed as a motorcycle so in NSW you can be fined for riding unlicensed if you do not hold a class R licence. Even with the correct licence it is still illegal to ride an electric scooter in NSW on a road or road related area.