18 March 2021

E-scooters and skateboards now legal on footpaths in the ACT

| Dominic Giannini
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Shane Rattenbury

Shane Rattenbury says e-scooters will be legal in the ACT from Friday, 20 December. Photo: File.

The ACT Government gave Territorians an early Christmas present today with the announcement that e-scooters, skateboards and similar devices can be legally driven on shared paths and footpaths.

Minister for Justice, Consumer Affairs and Road Safety Shane Rattenbury said the new laws will help the ACT move towards its renewable energy targets.

“E-mobility provides new and convenient options for travel. They let people leave the car at home, and are easily combined with public transport,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“With the ACT achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity they can be recharged using clean energy, free of greenhouse gas emissions.

READ ALSO The best electric scooter shops & servicing in Canberra

“Many ACT residents are keen to take advantage of e-scooters and similar e-mobility devices. I’m pleased to announce that these devices will be legal for personal use from 20 December.”

While these devices will not be legal on roads or on-road bicycle lanes, they will be allowed to be ridden on residential streets where there are no footpaths.

They will be subject to a maximum speed of 15 km/h on footpaths and up to 25 km/h in all other permitted locations. Users must wear a helmet, slow down to 10 km/h when going across a crossing, and give way to pedestrians.

Other road rules, like staying to the left, having a warning device like a bell and not being allowed to use mobile phones or ride under the influence, still apply.

“These are convenient and fun new devices, but I remind people to be responsible for their and others’ safety,” Mr Rattenbury said.

READ ALSO The best electric skateboard shops in Canberra

“Speed limits are the maximum, not the recommendation. People must be considerate of other users and travel at a safe speed for the conditions.

“People should also take care and learn to use the devices carefully before using them.”

To find out about the new rules and which devices are eligible visit JACS.

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Capital Retro5:28 pm 23 Dec 19

It’s just a passing fad to justify building a bigger ED at TCH and to prop up the funeral industry.

Next thing we will have is e-pogo sticks.

HiddenDragon6:30 pm 21 Dec 19

“E-mobility provides new and convenient options for travel. They let people leave the car at home, and are easily combined with public transport,” Mr Rattenbury said.

Great news – issue a scooter to each MLA and put the car parking spaces outside the Legislative Assembly building out to tender – or maybe use the space for a homeless shelter.

rationalobserver6:14 pm 21 Dec 19

I think we seriously need to redefine what a “vehicle” is and harmonise the fees, charges and regulatory framework across all of them.

It’s great that e-scooters are legal now. But I wish they could be used in on-road cycle lanes.

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