Public e-scooters and e-bikes have been commonplace in Canberra for six years, but some riders are still confused as to where they can use them. Photo: Region.
Canberra may have had public e-scooters and bikes for nearly six years, but there is still some confusion about where riders are allowed to use them.
While it’s generally accepted that they’re allowed to be used on footpaths, questions come up when they’re used on roads and in bike lanes.
So where can they be used legally? Here’s a breakdown.
According to Transport Canberra and Lime, the provider of e-scooters and e-bikes, there are different rules for each.
E-scooters
Transport Canberra says e-scooters can be used on footpaths, shared paths and nature strips.
They can only be ridden on roads where there is no footpath, shared path or nature strip, or where using one isn’t practical, and then only for the shortest practical distance.
There are also varied speed limits depending on where e-scooters are ridden. E-scooter speed limits are 15 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h on shared paths and bike paths, slowing to 10 km/h at crossings.
The 50 km/h road rule, in which vehicles without motors are allowed to ride on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less, applies to non-motorised devices such as kick scooters and skateboards, not e-scooters.
E-bikes are basically subject to the same rules as traditional bikes. Photo: ACT Government.
E-bikes
E-bikes have different rules to their scooter counterparts, falling in line with road rules relating to traditional bicycles.
Official Transport Canberra guidelines state that e-bikes that meet ACT requirements are treated as bicycles. These include the public Lime e-bikes.
This means they have the same rights to use the road as a regular bike, and can also be ridden on footpaths and shared paths, under the condition that they keep left and give way to pedestrians.
Lime said it was continuously working with the ACT Government to ensure paths were safe for both riders and pedestrians.
You shouldn’t park there, mate. Photo: David Murtagh.
Helmets for both bikes and scooters are mandatory.
“Roads and paths work best when everyone shares them safely and respectfully,” a spokesperson said.
“All Lime riders must follow the ACT road rules, which treat e-bikes and e-scooters differently.
“Every rider who downloads the Lime app is shown in-app riding tutorials and information on local rules before they head off, and we cap the speed of our vehicles in line with ACT regulations.
“We also host free First Ride Academy events, where anyone can meet our local team and learn the key rules and etiquette for sharing paths and roads with others.”
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Lime said the ultimate goal of e-scooters and bikes was to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to cars.
“Shared e-bikes and e-scooters have quickly become part of how Canberrans get around,” a spokesperson said.
“Since launching in April, Lime has provided thousands of residents with an affordable, active transport option for getting to work, running errands and connecting with public transport.
“Every one of those trips is one less car competing for space on Canberra’s roads. We’ll keep working with the ACT Government to make trips easy for riders, drivers and pedestrians alike.”
To learn more about where e-scooters and e-bikes be ridden, visit Transport Canberra. To learn more about Canberra’s e-Scooter and e-bike provider Lime, visit their website here.
