12 | On your mind
Electric Scooter Blues Thanks for putting out a great free e-mag. Keep up the good work! Just a note about the scooters (advertised/promoted) on page 14 of Issue 73. While the kick along scooter version is just fine, any form of electrical foot scooter is illegal in NSW. I personally wish they weren’t but that's NSW for you! The following is copied from the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) website: “The following motorised recreational devices do not meet minimum Australian design standards for safety and cannot be registered: • All petrol-powered bicycles, including bicycles that: • Have had a petrol-powered engine attached after purchase • Were purchased with a petrol-powered engine attached • Are powered by any other type of internal combustion engine • Motorised foot scooters (with or without a seat) – electric/petrol engine • Mini bikes or monkey bikes • Motorised human transporters such as the WheelMan or SEGWAY • Motorised skateboards – electric/petrol engine. These types of devices must not be used on roads or in any public areas such as footpaths, car parks and parks. Some retailers sell these vehicles and fail to warn customers that they cannot be used on roads or in public areas. There are heavy penalties for using unregistered and uninsured vehicles. Police can also seize unregistered vehicles.” Regards, Trevor.
Thanks for the heads-up Trevor. I contacted Mark Johns who is the Adelaide-based agent for e-twow scooters and he was sure that as they complied with Australian design standards they were legal in all States and Territories. Pointing out the very specific wording regarding scooters I suggested he contact the RMS in NSW to seek clarification. His reply was received just before going to press: Hi Richard. After some chasing around it appears that NSW roads rules do not allow for scooters to be used on public roads! It’s unfortunate, but they are the only State to have this policy! In time and with awareness of the need to promote green use of transport and getting people out of cars, I’m sure this will change. I think my biggest problem is being an early adopter of this new technology and getting law makers to come "up to speed" so to speak. The scooters sold locally are being ridden and LOVED by their owners and it’s pretty obvious why!! Regards, Mark The bottom line is, no motorised scooter of any sort is legal on any road or in any public place in NSW. If you buy one or bring one in from interstate as you travel and use it here you’ll be breaking the law. Hopefully the rules will be harmonised nationally at some stage, but until then please obey the law.