SA government’s new legislation would allow private e-scooters on public roads

The government has revealed its intention to introduce a new law into parliament which would allow e-scooter riders to use all public roads and paths.

The government is planning on allowing e-scooters and other personal mobility devices to be used on all public roads and paths after an overwhelming majority voted in favour of legalisation.

The Statutes Amendment (Personal Mobility Devices) Bill 2024 will be introduced into parliament this week to allow privately-owned e-scooters to be used anywhere across the state.

The decision comes after 87 per cent of YourSAy respondents supported the expansion of e-scooters onto public roads and paths.

Riders would be allowed to reach the speed limit of 25km/h on roads, separated lanes and bike lanes and no more than 15km/h on footpaths shared with pedestrians.

Additionally, there would be no need for riders to register their vehicle or apply for a licence.

SA government has announced that private e-scooters are being legalised. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Campbelltown managing director of DYU Electric Bikes Australia Jakeb Barry said he felt the proposed changes are long overdue.

“It’s about time,” Mr Barry said. “We’ve been running this store for about four years and because the laws weren’t clearly outlined there was a lot of grey area which left customers quite confused.

“Previously, customers would ask us about e-scooter restrictions and once we’ve explained you can’t use the vehicle in most areas – that would be the end of conversation.

“It absolutely interfered with our business.”

The government also revealed their intention of lowering the age restriction for personal mobility devices to 16 years – which is a reduction from the current 18 years.

However, Mr Barry argues there is benefit to lowering the age as low as 14.

“I think there’s been plenty of conversations over the years about lowering the age of riders to 14-years-old, – particularly parents looking at how their kids can get to and from school” he said.

“High schoolers are allowed to take their pushbike on the road – and there aren’t any restrictions – why can’t we have the same with electric vehicles.”

Tom Koutsantonis at a press conference. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

Liberal MP Vincent Tarzia speaks to media at press conference. Picture: Emma Brasier

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said there was a public interest in expanding the use of e-scooters to the public.

“Our consultation with e-scooter users and the broader community showed a clear

appetite for an ongoing use of e-scooters and other personal mobility devices like e-

skateboards and unicycles to be used in public spaces,” he said.

“Following commencement of the Bill, personal mobility device fleet hire operations are expected to continue and possibly expand to other locations across the state.”

Opposition minister Vincent Tarzia supported the legislation, but expressed concern over the lack of insurance policy over the planned rule changes.

“We know there are insurance schemes that are afforded to people in the state,” he said.

“This will be one of the questions that we will flesh out in the committee stage.”

Current SA laws permit e-scooters only under trial conditions in the Adelaide CBD and North Adelaide, the Norwood, Payneham and St Peters, Charles Sturt and Unley councils in partnership with commercial e-scooter fleet operators.