Service SA - E-scooters and other devices get the green light
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E-scooters and other devices get the green light

26 June 2025

From Sunday 13 July 2025, South Australians will be legally allowed to ride e-scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMDs) on public roads and paths.

PMD

A legal PMD is a device which:

  • has at least one wheel
  • is designed for one person
  • is propelled by an electric motor
  • is 45kg or less
  • can stop using brakes, gears or motor control
  • has no sharp protrusions
  • meets electrical safety standards
  • is no more than 125cm long, 70cm wide and 135cm high.

Any device that does not meet these requirements of a PMD is not permitted to be ridden on the road network.

Examples of devices that could be PMDs include:

  • e-scooters
  • e-skateboards
  • e-solo-wheels.

A PMD fitted with a seat is legal to ride provided the PMD meets the requirements specified above.

A PMD is not a bicycle or motorised wheelchair.

PMD rules

PMD riders must:

  • be aged 16 years or over
  • wear a helmet
  • use flashing or steady front and rear lights if riding at night or in low light
  • park with care in a location that does not disrupt pedestrians or pose a safety hazard
  • keep to approved areas if using a hired e-scooter
  • not riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • not carry passengers
  • not hold a mobile phone or rest it on any part of the rider’s body when riding
  • adhere to speed limits.

Penalties will apply for anyone, including potential loss of demerit points, if caught:

  • speeding
  • riding while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Riding a PMD and speed limits

You can legally ride a PMD on:

  • footpaths, shared paths, beaches and road crossings - maximum speed of 10km/h.
  • separated footpaths, bicycle paths or bicycle lanes (physically separated from other traffic) - maximum speed of 25km/h.
  • bike lanes (where the maximum road speed limit is no greater than 50km/h) - maximum speed of 25km/h.
  • any road (where the maximum speed limit is no greater than 50km/h) - maximum speed of 25km/h.

E-scooters will be permitted on roads where the maximum speed limit is 60km/h but must ride in the bicycle lane. Riders must stick to the maximum speed limit of 25km/h.

PMDs that are not e-scooters must only travel on roads where the speed limit is 50km/h or less, except:

  • when something is blocking the footpath, bike path, or shared path next to the road
  • when the rider needs to use the road for less than 50 metres to get around it
  • to cross the road.

For bike lanes and roads where the speed limit is less than 25km/h you must follow the speed limit of the bike lane or road.

In the short term, PMDs won’t be permitted on Adelaide Metro trains, trams and buses. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is working on how to best ensure safety on public transport for:

  • riders
  • other passengers.

PMD licensing and registration

PMD riders do not require a driver’s licence to ride these devices. PMDs are not required to be registered. Compulsory third party insurance will not apply to PMDs.

If, while using a PMD, the rider injures a third party or damages property they could be liable. For further information, PMD riders may wish to either:

  • consider insurance
  • check their insurance policy
  • contact their insurer.

New regulatory framework review

The Government has committed to undertaking a review 12 months from the operation of the new regulatory framework.

To ensure pedestrian safety, this will include monitoring the use of PMDs on infrastructure spaces such as:

  • footpaths
  • shared paths.

For more information about PMDs visit the My Licence website.