E-scooters are set to hit our streets by summer, providing a cost-effective, low-pollution, congestion-busting transport alternative in Tasmania.
E-scooters and other personal mobility devices such as e-skateboards and ‘hoverboards’ will soon be allowed to be used by both commercial ‘hire and ride’ operators and private users on footpaths, shared paths and local roads.
Under the current regulatory framework e-scooters with a maximum power output of more than 200 watts are classified as motor vehicles and are not permitted on any public street, road, footpath, shared path or open public space.
This means that most e-scooters now on the market cannot legally be used for transport.
The Tasmanian Government has identified amendments to the regulations required to allow these modern e-scooters to be used at certain speeds on most local roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle paths and will work with stakeholders including local government on their formalisation and adoption.
Once we legalise the use of these e-scooters anyone 16 years of age or older will be able to use an e-scooter as long as they wear a helmet and comply with all of the road rules, including speed limits. They will not be able to be used on main roads or highways.
Users should also only use these devices in the public areas if they can do so safely and responsibly, and they need to be aware that they may be held liable if they injure someone, damage property or cause a crash when using an e-scooter in a public place.
A public education campaign on the legal and safe use of e-scooters will be rolled out once the amendments take effect.
More Media Releases from Michael Ferguson
More Media Releases from the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport