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                    E-scooter trials in Victoria

                    Two people using e-scooters, riding down a tree lined inner city street along side parked cars
                    A trial of shared electric scooters in Melbourne has been running since 1 February 2022, with partners Lime and Neuron, as an accessible, environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to travel.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The trial, which is being run in partnership with the Victorian Government, is scheduled to finish in April 2024. The trial will help the Victorian Government determine whether e-scooters can be safely included in Victoria’s transport system. 

                    Since 5 April 2022, private e-scooters have been able to be used in Victoria. The rules governing their use are similar to the shared e-scooter rules. For more information about riding privately-owned e-scooters, visit VicRoads​

                    For data about the use of the shared e-scooters and e-bikes, visit Ride Report.

                    Using the shared e-scooters

                    Download an app, follow the instructions, and you’re ready to take off.

                    Our partners have all the info you need:


                    City of Melbourne signed up to the Victorian Government trial in partnership with City of Yarra and City of Port Phillip. The City of Ballarat is also taking part in the trial. 

                    E-scooters can be ridden within the boundary of the metro local government areas and will be contained by geofencing. 

                    This following map outlines the area you can ride:

                    E-scooter metro trial zone map


                    1500 boldly-branded e-scooters are available across the City of Melbourne for use on bike lanes, bike paths, shared paths and roads. A 20 km/h speed limit applies. 

                    E-scooter riders should behave the same way as bike riders and slow down to give way to pedestrians. There will be special ‘no go’ and ‘go slow’ zones where speed limits are restricted in high-traffic shared areas. 

                    It’s important to note that e-scooters are not permitted on footpaths and roads where there is a speed limit above 60 km/h, even if there is a protected bike lane. 

                    Basic e-scooter rules
                    • Wear a helmet.
                    • Ride nicely. Give people space.
                    • Travel at a safe speed for the environment.
                    • Be respectful to pedestrians and other path users.
                    • Do not ride on the footpath.
                    • Ride to the conditions.
                    • Consider others when parking.
                    • No passengers.

                    Check out the Victorian road rules for e-scooters.

                    We need to keep our transport networks safe, and there are penalties for those who break the rules.

                    Report an issue 

                    Lime and Neuron are responsible for all aspects of their operations. Any issues can be reported directly 24 hours a day via the links or contact details below. 

                    Illegal or unsafe use can be reported to Victoria Police.

                    Lime (white/green scooters):
                    Phone: 1800 861 305
                    Email: melbourne@li.me 

                    Neuron (orange scooters):
                    Phone: 03 4517 6860
                    Email: melbournesupport@neuron.sg ​

                    E-scooter rules and other FAQs

                    What are the rules?

                    The riding of commercial e-scooters is limited to trial areas approved by the Victorian Government. There are specific guidelines for the trial and use of e-scooters which include:  

                    • Commercial operators must have an agreement with participating councils for commercial shared e-scooters only.  
                    • E-scooters are limited to streets up to and including 60 km/h, bicycle lanes, bicycle paths, separated and shared paths (on the bicycle side, if specified).  
                    • E-scooters are not permitted on footpaths (other than shared paths). 
                    • E-scooters must not travel in excess of 20 km/h.  
                    • E-scooter riders will be subject to blood alcohol content and drug use restrictions applying to other motorists under the Road Safety Act 1986
                    • E-scooter riders must be at least 16 years of age. 
                    • E-scooters are generally treated in the same way as bicycles in relation to brakes, warning device (bell), lights, reflectors, etc. 

                    Where can I ride an e-scooter?

                    E-scooters can travel on bike paths, separated and shared paths, and in bikes and on roads with a maximum speed limit of 60 km/h. 

                    E-scooters are not permitted on footpaths and on roads with a speed limit of more than 60 km/h. Where there is interaction between e-scooters and pedestrians, such as on shared paths, e-scooter riders should slow down and give way to pedestrians. 

                    Can I ride between different council areas?

                    Yes, riders in the City of Port Phillip, City of Melbourne and City of Yarra will be able to ride through the three council areas.  

                    Riders must remain inside the designated trial zones (PDF). These zones will be geofenced by the operators. 

                    Do I have to wear a helmet?

                    Yes. E-scooter riders must adhere to the Victorian Road Rules, which means always wearing a helmet and respecting other road users. These rules are enforced by Victoria Police. 

                    Helmets are supplied with e-scooters and must be secured using built-in locks after each ride to avoid theft or loss. 

                    How fast do e-scooters go?

                    E-scooters are limited to 20 km/h as outlined in the Victorian Government guidelines for the trial.  

                    Riders are required to behave in accordance with the Victorian Road Rules, ride safely and respect the scooters and other road users. 

                    In some places e-scooters will be speed limited to 10 km/h to allow low speed access for people to continue their trips through certain areas. In certain other places such as pedestrian-only areas or high speed roads e-Scooters may be prevented from operating. 

                    Where can I park an e-scooter?

                    E-scooters can be parked in an upright position on the kerbside, at least 1.5 metres from buildings.   

                    No-parking areas will be shown in the app.  

                    Parking in no-parking areas may result in penalities.

                    What about personal e-scooters?

                    From 5 April 2023 privately-owned e-scooters can be ridden in the same way as shared e-scooters.

                    Check out the VicRoads advice for the use of private e-scooters​.

                    Do I need a licence?

                    It’s not necessary to have a licence to ride a participating e-scooter, however, drink and drug driving restrictions that apply to other motorists will also apply to e-scooter riders. 

                    Riders in breach of these restrictions face heavy fines or risk losing their licence (if they have one). 

                    Everyone riding an e-scooter must be under 0.05.

                    Why has City of Melbourne signed up to the e-scooter trial?

                    E-scooters offer an alternative, sustainable and affordable transport option for our community. They will provide an additional transport option that will increase the resilience of Melbourne’s transport system. 

                    The City of Melbourne Transport Strategy 2030 supports micromobility trials.

                    E-scooters have been legalised for private and commercial use in other states and territories. The trial is in partnership with the Victorian Government and will help determine whether e-scooters can be safely regulated.

                    The fine print

                    An agreement between the councils and operators establishes a framework for commercial e-scooters to operate in the City of Melbourne and other participating local government areas. This supports the safe use of e-scooters and protects the amenity of our streets.  

                    A full evaluation of the trial will take place to assess the use of e-scooters in Victoria's transport system, including the safety of pedestrians and people with vision impairment. 

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