This factsheet is a general guide only. It is not legal advice. Call the Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424 or text using Legal Chat via lsc.sa.gov.au for confidential advice about your situation.
It is now legal to ride your own electric scooter (e-scooter) on South Australian roads and paths. You do not need a driver’s licence, registration or insurance.
The rules that apply to bicycles generally apply to e-scooters, with some important differences.
You may ride your e-scooter on footpaths, shared paths and beaches.
You may ride your e-scooter on any public road with a maximum speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour. If you ride in a dedicated bike lane, you may ride your e-scooter on a road with a top speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour.
You must not ride your e-scooter on a freeway or highway, or anywhere bicycles, skateboards or scooters are banned.
You must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-scooter on a road. It is a crime to:
When riding your e-scooter on a road or bicycle path, you must not go faster than 25 kilometres per hour.
When riding your e-scooter on a footpath, shared path, beach or when crossing the road, you must not go faster than 10 kilometres per hour.
You must always ride your e-scooter at a safe speed for the conditions. Consider the weather, how well you can see, the traffic, and whether riding or stopping may endanger other road users or pedestrians.
You must wear a helmet while riding your e-scooter, unless you are of Sikh religion and wearing a turban.
It is illegal to carry another person while riding your e-scooter.
If riding at night or in bad weather, you must have lights on the front and rear of your e-scooter as well as a red rear reflector.
It is illegal to use a mobile phone while riding an e-scooter.
It is an offence to ride an e-scooter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs such that you are incapable of exercising effective control of the e-scooter.
You cannot take your e-scooter on to a bus, train or tram.
Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are bicycles that combine human pedalling with support from an electric motor of up to 250 watts.
The rules that apply to bicycles generally apply to e-bikes. This means:
E-bikes that put out too much power or that can be ridden without pedalling cannot legally be ridden on South Australian roads.
You can take your e-bike on to a train but you may need to pay during peak times. Check the Adelaide Metro website for the latest information.
If you are caught doing the wrong thing, you may be fined hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you have a driver’s licence, you may receive demerit points too.
Call the Legal Helpline or access Legal Chat for free and confidential information and advice today.
May 2026
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