The rules outlined below are an overview, please refer to the rule references for more details.
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For rules that apply to motorised mobility devices or electric wheelchairs see
Pedestrians -
For rules that apply to motorcycles or miniature motorcycles see
Motorbikes -
For rules that apply to bicycles, including motorised bicycles, see
Bicycles
A scooter is a vehicle with or without a seat that has two or three wheels and a footboard between the front and back wheels. It is steered by handlebars and propelled by pushing one foot against the ground or by an electric motor or motors (with a maximum ungoverned power output of 200 watts or less) or by a combination of these. Motorised scooters must not be capable of a maximum speed over 10 km per hour.
Wheeled Recreational Devices include scooters, skateboards, roller blades and roller skates. Riders of wheeled recreational devices and wheeled toys (see definition below) are treated as pedestrians.
- Scooters must have at least one effective brake and a bell or horn.
- Scooter users are required to wear an Australian Standards approved bicycle helmet
- Scooters used at night must have a white light (flashing or steady) at the front, a red light (flashing or steady) at the back and a red reflector on the back.
- The rules for Wheeled Recreational Devices also apply (see below).
A motorised scooter has the same features as a foot scooter, with the addition of an electric powered motor (or motors if there is more than one).
A motorised scooter must have an electric motor (or motors in combination) that have a maximum ungoverned and continous rated power output of 200 watts or less, and it cannot be capable of travelling faster than 10 km per hour when ridden on level ground.
If your motorised scooter is powered by a petrol motor (or motors) or has a maximum power of more than 200 watts, or can go faster than 10km per hour, it is classed as a motor vehicle. It can only be used on the road if it meets the requirements for registration, is registered and the rider has a motorcycle licence or learner permit. However, it can be used on private property.
These devices:
- can be used on footpaths, but not separated bicycle paths
- must not be used on roads with dividing lines or median strips or that have a speed limit of more than 50 km per hour
- must not be towed or used in the slipstream of another vehicle
- must not be used where there is a No Wheeled Recreational Devices or Toys sign
- Wheeled Recreational Devices (except for scooters) must not be used on the road at night (except crossing at the shortest route, for example at an intersection).
It is illegal to use motorised versions of skateboards, roller skates or roller blades on public roads, footpaths or nature strips. However, they can be used on private property.
Wheeled Recreational Devices do not include bicycles, golf buggies, prams, strollers, trollies, wheelchairs or wheeled toys, or scooters that are a motor vehicle (petrol motor or electric motor with a maximum output of 200 watts or more).
A wheeled toy means a child's pedal car, scooter (other than a motorised scooter) or tricycle or a similar toy, but only when it is being used only by a child who is under 12 years old.
Road Safety Road Rules 2009
- 240A No wheeled recreational devices or toys sign
- 240 Wheeled recreational devices and toys not to be used on certain roads
- 241 Travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy on a road
- 242 Travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy on a footpath or shared path
- 243 Travelling on rollerblades etc. on a bicycle path or separated footpath
- 244 Wheeled recreational devices or wheeled toys being towed etc.
- 244A Meanings of scooter
- 244B Wearing of helmets and other requirements for users of scooters
Refer to the Victorian Government Gazette for more information. Search Victorian Government Gazette No. S 139 (Wednesday 21 April, 2010).
To look up these rules and check for other related rules, please refer to the Acts and Regulations administered by VicRoads.