NSW scooter rules explained

Kick scooters are among the most popular ways to get around Sydney's suburbs, parks and foreshores, and the rules that apply to them are simpler than many people think. These guides explain the NSW rules in plain language, with links to the official sources.

Guides in this section

• Where you can ride a kick scooter in NSW Footpaths, shared paths, separated paths and signs.
• Riding a kick scooter on the road Which roads are off limits, and why kids shouldn't.
• E-scooters in NSW: the current rules Private e-scooters, shared trials and what may change.
• Sharing paths: scooter etiquette Passing, bells, speed, groups, dogs and parking.

The rules in a nutshell

NSW road rules treat a kick scooter as a wheeled recreational device. Transport for NSW says you can ride one on footpaths unless signs say otherwise, keeping left and giving way to pedestrians. On separated paths, use the side for bicycles and keep out of the way of bike riders. Regulation 240 of the Road Rules 2014 limits road riding to daylight, and rules out roads with a dividing line or median strip, a speed limit above 50 km/h or more than one lane of one-way traffic.

E-scooters

The NSW Government says privately owned e-scooters are illegal on NSW roads and paths, including inside trial areas. Shared e-scooters supplied by approved operators can be ridden in designated trial areas, such as Wollongong, by riders aged 16 or older wearing an approved bicycle helmet, on bike paths, shared paths and roads of 50 km/h or less, but never on footpaths.

Signs come first

Councils and land managers can ban scooters in particular places with signs, such as busy malls, plazas and some parks. A sign always overrides the general rule. When you see a no-scooting sign, get off and walk.

Fines

Breaking the rules can lead to a fine. Fine amounts are set by the NSW Government and change over time, so we don't publish them. Check Transport for NSW or Revenue NSW for current amounts.

When in doubt, walk

If you're not sure whether riding is allowed, or a path is crowded, walk your scooter. Walking is always allowed, and it's often the most considerate choice.

Five things worth knowing

1. Kick scooters can use footpaths in NSW unless a sign says otherwise. Keep left and give way to pedestrians.
2. Road riding is limited: never at night, and not on roads with a dividing line, median strip, a limit above 50 km/h or multi-lane one-way traffic.
3. Private e-scooters are illegal on NSW roads and paths. Shared e-scooters are legal only in trial areas.
4. Wear a certified helmet plus wrist, elbow and knee guards. Falls are the most common cause of scooter injuries.
5. Charge e-scooter batteries safely: on a hard surface, away from exits, never while asleep or away.

Kick scooters and e-scooters are different

It's easy to mix up the rules, because the two look similar. A kick scooter has no motor, and NSW road rules treat it as a wheeled recreational device, like a skateboard. It can be ridden on footpaths and shared paths, and on some quiet roads in daylight. An e-scooter has an electric motor. Privately owned e-scooters can't be ridden on NSW roads or paths, and shared e-scooters in trial areas must stay off footpaths, with riders aged 16 or older wearing approved helmets. When you read any rule, check which device it applies to.

Common mistakes to avoid

A few mistakes come up again and again. Riding fast past pedestrians on a busy footpath forgets that pedestrians have right of way. Riding on the road after sunset breaks the rules for kick scooters, even on a quiet street. Assuming a privately owned e-scooter is legal because it was bought in a shop can lead to a significant fine. Skipping wrist guards overlooks one of the most common injuries. And charging an e-scooter overnight in a hallway puts a fire risk on your escape route. Each of these is easy to avoid once you know the rules and the reasons.

Rules for other wheeled devices

Skateboards, rollerblades and roller skates follow the same wheeled recreational device rules as kick scooters in NSW. Bicycles, e-bikes, electric skateboards, hoverboards and mobility scooters each have their own rules. If you ride more than one kind of device, check the rules for each with Transport for NSW.

Visiting Wollongong or another trial area

If you plan to try a shared e-scooter on a trip to a trial area, download the operator's app before you go, check the riding zone map, bring or borrow an approved helmet if one isn't supplied, and remember that private e-scooters remain illegal even inside trial areas. Trial dates change, so check the NSW Government's trial page first.

About these guides

Kick Scooter Sydney is an independent information site about riding kick scooters and e-scooters in Sydney and NSW. We aren't a scooter shop, hire company, government agency or safety authority, and we don't review or recommend brands or shops. Our guides are general information written in our own words, with official sources listed on every page. They're not legal or medical advice.

How we keep these guides current

We review each guide against its sources and show the date it was last checked. Road rules, fines and e-scooter trials change, so if you notice something out of date, please tell us through our contact page and we'll check and correct it.

Try the ride checker

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