E-scooters are legal in SA, but the fines are real – and so are the faceplants. Brush up on what matters and take our quiz to see if you’re really road-ready.
By now, you’ve probably seen (or been) someone cruising around on a personal e-scooter.
And yep – thanks to new regulations that kicked in this July, personal mobility devices (PMDs) are finally street legal in South Australia.
That means you can now ride your own e-scooter, e-skateboard, or even e-unicycle on roads, footpaths and bike lanes across the state.
But before you take off, it’s important you know what you can and can’t do – so you don’t cop a fine (or worse, injure yourself or someone else).
We asked The Post readers what they wanted to know, then took their questions to SA Police Superintendent Shane Johnson.
So, what are the rules?
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can and can’t do under SA’s new e-scooter laws – followed by the answers you were looking for.
What’s allowed (and required):
- You must be 16 or older
- Helmets are mandatory at all times
- Use lights at night or in low light
- Max speed: 10km/h on footpaths, 25km/h on roads and bike lanes
- E-scooters (but not other PMDs) can ride on 60km/h roads — but only if there’s a bike lane (and only during signed hours)
- You can ride on roads up to 50km/h even without a bike lane — just keep left
- Your phone can be used for navigation or speed if it’s mounted to the handlebars
- Your PMD must have a bell or horn, working brakes, and meet size/electrical safety standards
- Stay left – and give way to pedestrians – when on a footpath or shared path
- Your device cannot weigh more than 45Kg
What’s not allowed:
- Carrying passengers
- Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Using your phone while riding (unless it’s mounted)
- Riding on roads with a speed limit greater than 60km/h
- Taking PMDs on public transport (for now)
- Riding two abreast
- Riding over the speed limit
Your e-scooter questions, answered
Will there be penalties for improper e-scooter use?
Yes – and some of them are hefty. If you’re caught speeding, riding somewhere you shouldn’t, not wearing a helmet, or carrying a passenger, you can be fined on the spot. Penalties range from $68 to $469, and if you do something more serious – like cause an accident while under the influence – you could even end up in court.
How will you be able to tell how fast e-scooters are travelling? Will there be speed guns?
Yes – police use the same speed detection devices they use for cars and bikes. There’s no special “e-scooter gun,” but the existing ones work perfectly fine on e-scooters. If you’re caught speeding, police can pull you over and fine you.
Are there any differences in the rules for private vs hired e-scooters?
The same road rules now apply to everyone, whether you’re riding your own e-scooter or a council-hired one. Councils can still set local conditions for hired e-scooters – like where they can be parked or geofenced – so it’s worth checking if you’re using one of theirs.
Do these laws apply to mobility scooters used by disabled/elderly people?
No. Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs aren’t classified as personal mobility devices, so these rules don’t apply to them.
Can I still ride my e-scooter on a 60 km/h road if there’s no bike lane?
No. You can only ride on 60km/h roads if there’s a bike lane – and only during the hours it’s signed and operating as a bike lane. Otherwise, use the footpath instead.
Why can’t you ride with two people on one e-scooter?
Because it’s super risky. E-scooters are designed for one rider – adding a second person throws off the balance and makes a crash more likely. That’s why it’s illegal, with a $129 fine for carrying a passenger.
Can I listen to music on my phone while riding?
Only if your phone is mounted to the handlebars – and even then, it’s risky. The law says your phone must be in a secure holder if you’re using it while riding, whether that’s for music, maps, or anything else.
But police are clear: listening to music while riding is a bad idea. It reduces your awareness and increases your chances of missing hazards – which puts you and everyone around you in danger.
Can I take my e-scooter on public transport?
Not right now. PMDs aren’t permitted on Adelaide Metro trains, trams or buses due to safety concerns with lithium batteries. The government says this might change in future – but for now, it’s a no-go.
Do I need to carry ID while riding an e-scooter/PMD?
No – you’re not legally required to carry ID. But if police stop you for doing the wrong thing, they can ask for your name, address and date of birth – and you’re legally required to give that info. Having ID on hand to back up your word is handy – but not essential.
How does insurance work if you get hit by someone driving one of these on the footpath?
There’s no automatic insurance coverage if you’re hit by a PMD rider. They’re not covered by CTP (compulsory third-party insurance) like cars are. If you’re injured, the rider could be personally liable – and if you’re the rider, you could be footing the bill.
PMD riders should consider personal liability insurance – and do everything you can to avoid a crash in the first place by sticking to the rules.
What should you do if you’re involved in an accident with an e-scooter/PMD?
Stop straight away. If someone is injured, you have a legal duty to help – just like a driver or cyclist would.
You must:
- Help anyone who’s hurt
- Exchange details with anyone involved
- Report the incident to police if someone is injured – usually by calling them on the spot and following their advice.
Leaving the scene is a serious offence – it’s still a hit and run, even if you’re “just” on an e-scooter.
And in case you were thinking of pushing the limits, Superintendent Johnson has a reminder for riders.
“These PMD devices are fun, but they’re definitely not toys,” he says. “You’re really vulnerable out there on them – so our main message is we just want people to take care and ride responsibly.”
Quiz time: Ready to ride – or ready to get fined?
You’ve read the questions, skimmed the dos and don’ts, and possibly judged other riders in your head. Now let’s see if you actually know what you’re doing. It’s quiz time!
Like this quiz? Check out one of our other road rules quizzes here.
For more information on PMD regulations, click here.
