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Legal. Paths first — roads only where there’s no usable path. Here are the rules for privately owned e-scooters in the ACT, in plain English. It is general information, not legal advice — check the official sources at the bottom before you buy or ride.
The short version
- Device: can’t be able to go faster than 25 km/h; weighs up to 60 kg. No power (watt) limit.
- Footpaths: up to 15 km/h. Paths: up to 25 km/h. Roads: only where there’s no usable path.
- Age: No minimum age; under-12s must be supervised by an adult. (Hire scooters: 16+.)
- Helmet: Required.
- No registration or insurance for a legal e-scooter.
What counts as a legal e-scooter in the ACT
| Rule | ACT |
|---|---|
| Top speed it can reach | 25 km/h or less |
| Weight | Up to 60 kg |
| Size | Not set |
| Motor power | No limit |
| Registration, licence, insurance | Not needed |
Where you can ride, and how fast
| Where | Speed limit |
|---|---|
| Footpath | 15 km/h |
| Shared path / bike path | 25 km/h |
| Road | 25 km/h — only where there’s no usable path |
Footpaths (15 km/h), shared and cycle paths (25 km/h) and nature strips. Roads and on-road bike lanes only where there is no footpath, path or nature strip, or using one is impractical. 10 km/h at crossings. Not in the light rail corridor.
Rider rules
- Age: No minimum age; under-12s must be supervised by an adult. (Hire scooters: 16+.)
- Helmet: Required.
- A bell or warning device. Lights and reflectors at night or in bad weather. No passengers. No phone.
- A scooter that can go faster than 25 km/h is a motor vehicle and can’t be used on paths.
Fines
ACT Policing says fines apply; official pages don’t list the amounts.
Hire e-scooters
Lime operates hire scooters in Canberra.
Buying one: safety standards and batteries
No ACT-specific product or battery standard.
- Check the top speed and weight against the ACT’s limits before you pay — most fast scooters can’t be ridden legally here.
- Buy from a seller who can tell you which safety standard it meets (AS/NZS 60335.2.114, EN 17128 or UL 2272) and give you a receipt.
- Use the charger that came with it, and read our e-scooter battery safety guide.
- Record its serial number now — see where to find it. If it’s stolen, that number is how police match it to you.
Keep its serial, photos and receipt in a free EbikeMate Passport — proof it’s yours if it’s stolen, and easier to sell.
Common questions
Are e-scooters legal in the ACT?
Yes. Legal. Paths first — roads only where there’s no usable path.
How fast can an e-scooter go in the ACT?
The scooter must not be able to go faster than 25 km/h. Riders may go up to 15 km/h on footpaths, 25 km/h on shared and bike paths.
Can I ride an e-scooter on the footpath in the ACT?
Yes, at up to 15 km/h, giving way to pedestrians (unless a sign says no).
Do I need a licence or registration for an e-scooter in the ACT?
No — a legal e-scooter doesn’t need registration, a licence or insurance in the ACT.
What is the minimum age to ride an e-scooter in the ACT?
No minimum age; under-12s must be supervised by an adult. (Hire scooters: 16+.)
How heavy can an e-scooter be in the ACT?
Up to 60 kg unladen.
Official sources
This guide explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.