Electric Scooter Rules in Western Australia

Electric scooters are becoming a popular way to commute, travel short distances and get around Western Australia. But before riding an e-scooter in WA, it is important to understand the local rules.

In Western Australia, electric scooters are generally treated as eRideables if they meet the WA requirements for size, weight, speed and design. These rules affect who can ride, where you can ride, how fast you can go, what safety equipment you need and what fines may apply.

This guide explains the key electric scooter rules in Western Australia so new and everyday riders can understand what to check before riding.

Important: Rules can change, and this article is general information only. Always check the WA Road Safety Commission or Transport WA for the latest official guidance before riding.

What Is an eRideable in Western Australia?

In WA, an eRideable is an electric rideable device such as an electric scooter, electric skateboard, hoverboard, e-skates or e-unicycle. According to the WA Road Safety Commission, an eRideable must have at least one wheel, be designed for one person, not travel faster than 25 km/h on level ground, weigh 25 kg or less, and be no more than 125 cm long, 70 cm wide and 135 cm high.

That means not every electric scooter automatically qualifies as a legal WA eRideable. If a scooter is too heavy, too large or capable of more than 25 km/h on level ground, it may not meet WA eRideable requirements.

WA Electric Scooter Rules: Quick Summary

Who Can Ride an Electric Scooter in WA?

Only people aged 16 years and over are allowed to use eRideables in Western Australia. The WA Road Safety Commission states that only people aged 16 and over can use eRideables, and the offences page lists a penalty where a child under 16 rides an eRideable.

For riders under 16, WA distinguishes eRideables from low-powered motorised scooters. A low-powered motorised scooter for children must have a maximum power output of 200W and a top speed of 10 km/h, and it is not considered an eRideable.

Do You Need a Helmet on an Electric Scooter in WA?

Yes. WA requires eRideable riders to wear a helmet. The WA Road Safety Commission says riders must wear a helmet and that an approved bicycle, skateboard or motorcycle helmet can be worn when riding an eRideable.

The WA buying guide also states that all eRiders must wear an approved helmet that is securely fastened unless an exemption has been granted. It also lists accepted helmet standards, including Australian, European and US standards.

WA Electric Scooter Speed Limits

Western Australia has different eRideable speed limits depending on where you ride.

The WA Road Safety Commission lists 10 km/h for footpaths and pedestrian crossings, and 25 km/h for bicycle paths, shared paths, local roads and bicycle lanes.

On pedestrian crossings, eRiders and cyclists no longer need to dismount if entering from the connected path, but riders must travel at 10 km/h or less and give way to pedestrians.

Where Can You Ride an Electric Scooter in WA?

In WA, eRideables can generally be used on:

• Footpaths
• Bicycle paths
• Shared paths
• Local roads where permitted
• Bicycle lanes where permitted
• Pedestrian crossings when entering from the connected path and giving way

The WA Road Safety Commission says eRideables can be used on footpaths, bicycle paths and shared paths, roads with no dividing lines and a speed limit of 50 km/h or less, and bicycle lanes on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less.

Where Can’t You Ride an Electric Scooter in WA?

WA rules also list places where eRideables cannot be ridden.

You generally cannot ride on:

• Roads with a dividing line
• Roads with a speed limit over 50 km/h
• Any path marked “no wheeled devices”
• Any path or road where a “no bicycle” sign or marking applies
• The pedestrian section of a separated path

The WA Road Safety Commission states that eRideables must not be ridden on roads with a dividing line, roads where the speed limit is more than 50 km/h, paths marked “no wheeled devices”, or places where a “no bicycle” sign or marking applies.

Can You Carry a Passenger on an Electric Scooter in WA?

No. WA rules allow one person per device. The WA Road Safety Commission says eRideables are designed for one person and riders must never carry passengers or animals on an eRideable.

This is important for safety because carrying another person can affect balance, braking distance, steering and the scooter’s weight limit.

Can You Use a Phone While Riding an Electric Scooter in WA?

WA rules are strict around mobile phone distraction. The WA Road Safety Commission tells eRiders to keep their hands on the wheel, not on their phone, and says the same phone distraction rules apply to eRideables as to bikes, motorcycles and cars.

The WA penalties page also lists fines for unlawful visual display unit use and unlawful mobile phone use while riding.

Can You Ride After Drinking Alcohol?

No. WA says eRiders must maintain proper control of their device and are subject to the same drink and drug driving laws as car drivers.

For safety and legal reasons, do not ride an electric scooter while affected by alcohol or drugs.

Do Electric Scooters Need Lights and a Bell in WA?

WA advises riders to be visible and use lights and reflectors when riding at night. The WA Road Safety Commission also says riders should use a bell or verbal warning before approaching or overtaking pedestrians or other path users, and that a bell or warning device must be fitted where practical.

The WA buying guide recommends looking for an eRideable with a white front light, red rear light and red reflector, and yellow side reflectors. It also recommends a warning device such as a bell where practical.

WA Electric Scooter Fines and Penalties

WA has specific penalties for eRideable offences. Examples listed by the WA Road Safety Commission include:

These examples come from the WA Road Safety Commission’s eRideable offences and penalties page.

What Electric Scooter Should You Buy for WA?

If you are buying an electric scooter for use in Western Australia, the most important buying step is checking whether it matches WA eRideable requirements.

Before buying, check:

• Maximum speed capability
• Weight
• Length, width and height
• Whether it is designed for one person
• Brakes
• Lights and reflectors
• Bell or warning device
• Battery and charger quality
• Warranty and support
• Whether the seller provides clear specifications

The WA buying guide says riders should make sure their device is no more than 125 cm long, 70 cm wide and 135 cm high, does not weigh more than 25 kg, and is not able to travel faster than 25 km/h on level ground. It also notes there is no power-output restriction as long as the device complies with the speed, size and weight limits.

Is There a Motor Power Limit for E-Scooters in WA?

For eRideables, WA does not restrict power output if the device complies with the speed, size and weight limits. The WA Road Safety Commission says there is no power-output restriction for eRideables as long as the device complies with the speed, size and weight limits.

This means the key buying checks are not just watts. You need to check whether the scooter meets WA’s speed, size and weight requirements.

WA Electric Scooter Safety Tips

To ride more safely in Western Australia:

• Wear an approved helmet every ride
• Stay within the speed limit
• Slow down near pedestrians
• Give way to pedestrians on paths and crossings
• Keep left unless overtaking
• Use a bell or verbal warning when passing
• Use lights and reflectors at night
• Keep at least one hand on the handlebars
• Do not use your phone while riding
• Do not carry passengers or animals
• Do not ride after drinking alcohol or using drugs
• Park responsibly so you do not block paths

Transport WA also summarises key eRideable safety points, including one person per device, helmet use, 16+ age requirement, being visible, keeping to 10 km/h or less on footpaths and 25 km/h or less on shared paths, and knowing where you can legally ride.

Electric Scooter Rules WA Checklist

Before riding in WA, ask:

1. Am I 16 or older?
2. Is my scooter 25 kg or less?
3. Is it no more than 125 cm long, 70 cm wide and 135 cm high?
4. Is it limited to 25 km/h on level ground?
5. Am I wearing an approved helmet?
6. Am I riding alone with no passenger or animal?
7. Do I know the speed limit for this path or road?
8. Am I allowed to ride in this location?
9. Are my lights and reflectors working if riding at night?
10. Is my phone away while riding?
11. Am I giving way to pedestrians?
12. Am I parking without blocking the path?

Final Thoughts: Electric Scooter Rules in Western Australia

Western Australia allows eRideables, including many electric scooters, but riders must follow specific rules. The key things to remember are simple: you must be 16 or older, wear a helmet, ride one person per device, follow the correct speed limits and only ride where eRideables are allowed.

If you are buying an electric scooter for WA, make sure it fits the legal size, weight and speed requirements before you purchase. A scooter that is too heavy, too large or capable of more than 25 km/h on level ground may not meet WA eRideable rules.

The safest approach is to choose a compliant scooter, ride to the conditions, respect pedestrians and stay updated with WA’s official rules.

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FAQ Section

Are electric scooters legal in Western Australia?

Yes, electric scooters can be legal in WA if they meet the eRideable requirements. An eRideable must be designed for one person, weigh 25 kg or less, be no more than 125 cm long, 70 cm wide and 135 cm high, and not travel faster than 25 km/h on level ground.

How old do you have to be to ride an electric scooter in WA?

You must be at least 16 years old to ride an eRideable in Western Australia.

Do you have to wear a helmet on an electric scooter in WA?

Yes. WA requires eRideable riders to wear a helmet. The helmet must be approved and securely fastened unless an exemption applies.

What is the electric scooter speed limit in WA?

In WA, eRideables are limited to 10 km/h on footpaths and pedestrian crossings, and 25 km/h on bicycle paths, shared paths, local roads and bicycle lanes where permitted.

Can you ride an electric scooter on the road in WA?

You can ride on certain local roads where there are no dividing lines and the speed limit is 50 km/h or less. You cannot ride on roads with dividing lines or roads where the speed limit is more than 50 km/h.

Can you ride an electric scooter on the footpath in WA?

Yes, eRideables can be ridden on footpaths in WA, but the speed limit is 10 km/h.

Can you ride with a passenger on an electric scooter in WA?

No. WA rules say one person per device. Riders must not carry passengers or animals.

Is there a motor wattage limit for electric scooters in WA?

For eRideables, WA does not restrict power output as long as the device complies with the speed, size and weight limits.

What are the fines for breaking WA e-scooter rules?

WA lists penalties including $100 for exceeding the 25 km/h speed limit on a carriageway, bicycle path or shared path, $100 for exceeding 10 km/h on a footpath, $50 for not wearing a helmet, and $500–$1000 for unlawful mobile phone use while riding.