In New South Wales, it is illegal to ride an electric scooter on any road related area. Riders can be fined and charged and be required to appear before a Local Court in NSW. These offences can be more serious if you do not have a valid drivers licence at the time you are caught driving an electric scooter. It is important to understand that you can be jailed if you have a criminal history that includes a large number of driving whilst disqualified/suspended offences.
THE LAW ON ELECTRIC SCOOTERS:
In New South Wales, an electric scooter is a defined as a “vehicle” in the Road Transport Act. An Electric Scooter defined as a motorcycle under the legislation.
WHERE CAN I RIDE MY E-SCOOTER?
In New South Wales it is illegal to ride an electric scooter on any road or any road related area. A road related area includes footpaths or even public parks, or nature strips. Therefore, the only place you could technically ride your electric scooter is on a private property.
THE PENALTIES:
In New South Wales, you cannot drive an electronic scooter on a road related area. Further, as electronic scooters cannot be registered in New South Wales, riders can be fined and charged with riding an unregistered vehicle if caught. Further, if you do not have a licence at the time, you can be charged with driving whilst disqualified/suspended.
| Offence | Penalty Notice | Max Court Penalty |
| Using an unregistered vehicle |
$686 | $2200 |
| Using an uninsured vehicle |
$686 | $5500 |
| Using a vehicle with tax not paid |
$686 | $1100 |
| Not wearing an approved helmet | $344 | $2200 |
| Drive unlicensed (No class R) |
$572 | $2200 |
| Drive while suspended (1st offence) |
No penalty notice option | $3300 Disqualification 3 to 6 months Imprisonment up to 6 months |
| Drive while disqualified (1st offence) |
No penalty notice option | $3300 Disqualification 3 to 6 months Imprisonment up to 6 months |
CONTACT CRIMINAL LAWYERS GROUP NOW
Being accused or charged with an offence of riding an electric scooter can be frustrating. If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with riding an e-scooter on a road related area, contact our expert criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation. Our award-winning criminal law specialists have proven results in securing the best outcomes for our clients across NSW.