The trial will help the Victorian Government determine whether e-scooters can be safely included in Victoria’s transport system. The City of Melbourne signed up to the Victorian Government trial in partnership with City of Yarra, City of Port Phillip, and City of Ballarat.
The trial is scheduled to finish in October 2024 with the Victorian Government announcing a six-month extension on 4 April 2024.
1500 boldly-branded e-scooters are available across the City of Melbourne for use on bike lanes, bike paths, shared paths and roads. For data about the use of the shared e-scooters and e-bikes, visit Ride ReportOpens in new tab.
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:
From 5 April 2023 privately-owned e-scooters can be ridden in the same way as shared e-scooters.
Read the VicRoads advice for the use of private e-scootersOpens in new tab.
E-scooters can be ridden within the boundary of the metro local government areas and will be contained by geofencing. This E-scooter metro trial zone map outlines the area you can ride.
- Wear a helmet.
- Ride nicely.
- Give people space.
- No travelling above the e-scooter 20 km/h speed limit.
- Riders must be at least 16 years of age.
- Only ride on roads up to 60km/h speed limit, bicycle lanes and paths.
- No riding on footpaths (other than shared paths).
- Give way to pedestrians on shared paths.
- Consider others when parking.
- No passengers.
- Use bicycle safety devices such as brakes, warning bells, lights and reflectors.
- Blood alcohol and drug use restrictions apply (similar to other motorists).
Read the Victorian road rules for e-scootersOpens in new tab.
We need to keep our transport networks safe, and there are penaltiesOpens in new tab for those who break the rules.
Frequently asked questions
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 penalties.
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.
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.
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.
