Electric scooters are gaining popularity in Australia. Advances
in technology mean that they are now capable of longer ranges,
increased speeds, and shorter charging times. Specialist scooter
stores such as Scooter Hut stock a wide range of scooters ranging
from a few hundred dollars up to $4000. They are quiet,
lightweight, environmentally friendly, and can be folded up at the
end of a commute without taking up a parking space. Unfortunately
for riders in NSW, it is illegal to ride an electric scooter
anywhere other than on private property. Riders risk being fined,
charged, and even having their scooter confiscated by Police.
Electric scooters and the law in NSW
In New South Wales the
Road Transport Act defines a "vehicle" as being any
description of vehicle on wheels. It goes on to define a
"motor vehicle" as being "a vehicle that is built to
be propelled by a motor that forms part of the vehicle" and a
motorcycle as being a "motor vehicle with two
