ZIPPING around Mitchell Shire on an electric scooter would be a hole lot easier if there were less potholes.
Alas, there are few riders who utilise the road when on board, despite the law stating that electric scooters must not be ridden on footpaths, among other rules.
With electric scooter use increasing, it is important for riders to familiarise themselves with the rules, and avoid coping a fine.
So, what are the laws?
Firstly, riders must be aged 16 or over and always wear a secured helmet while riding. For safety purposes, riders are encouraged to keep as far to the left as possible, and a flashing or steady light is mandatory. Mobile phones must not be used while riding.
Additionally, electric scooters must only be ridden by one person at a time.
While electric scooters do not need to be registered, they must have a maximum speed (when ridden on level ground) of 25km/h and not weigh more than 45kg. It must be steered with a handlebar with two parallel wheels, and have a footboard in between.
Riders can travel on shared-user paths where signage indicates, and only travel along roads with a speed limit of up to 60km/h. Riders must park their scooters responsibly in a location that does not disrupt pedestrian traffic or pose a safety hazard.
If involved in an accident, riders must stop, exchange contact details with others involved in the accident, and report the incident to police.
If riders are found, or suspected, to be breaking general road rules or electric scooter laws, Victoria Police can: Stop riders and require them to state their name and address, require the rider to undergo alcohol and drug testing, impound privately owned e-scooters, impose on-the-spot fines, issue charges to appear before a court, and issue an immediate driver licence ban.
