From Sunday 13 July 2025, people aged 16 and over will be legally permitted to ride e-scooters and other Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) on selected roads and paths across South Australia.
This change follows the finalisation of the State Government’s Personal Mobility Device framework, which was developed following trials and extensive consultation with councils, safety experts and the broader community.
The new rules on where you can ride are as follows:
| Area | Devices Allowed | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Footpaths, shared paths, beaches | All PMDs | 10km/h |
| Bike lanes on roads with speed limits of up to 60 km/h or less | e-scooters only | 25 km/h |
| Roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less | All PMDs | 25 km/h |
All riders must:
- Be 16 years or older
- Wear an approved helmet
- Not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Not carry passengers
- Not use handheld mobile phones (mounted GPS is allowed)
- Use a flashing light when riding at night or in low light
Registration or a driver’s licence is not required, but the device must meet the legal requirements to be used on public roads.
Enforcement
The South Australia Police (SAPOL) is responsible for enforcing these laws. Fines and demerit points may apply for offences such as speeding, unsafe riding, or riding under the influence. Please report any issues to SAPOL on 131 444 or use the Traffic Watch online form to report non-urgent incidents at SAPOL – Traffic Watch.
For more information on rules and regulations visit the My Licence website here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Please report unsafe or dangerous riding to SAPOL. You can:
- Call 131 444
- Or use the Traffic Watch online form to report non-urgent incidents at SAPOL – Traffic Watch
The rider must:
- Provide assistance to any injured parties
- Exchange contact details
- Report the incident to SAPOL
Visit SAPOL Report a Crash.
No. Like bicycles, PMDs aren’t required to display identification. Reports of unsafe riding can be made to SAPOL on 131 444 or via the Traffic Watch online form.
Riders are expected to park their personal PMDs responsibly, just like bicycles. As many of the devices will be personally owned, widespread “dumping” is unlikely. Where hire companies are permitted to operate, Council will continue working with them and DIT to manage parking and obstruction concerns, particularly in high-use areas like the coast and shared paths.
Enforcement is possible where dangerous behaviour is observed directly. This is similar to how bicycle riders are managed under road law.
No insurance is mandated. Riders may be personally liable. Anyone involved in a serious incident should contact SAPOL immediately.
These rules mean that eScooters and PMD riders will be able to legally ride on footpaths, shared paths, bicycle and beach paths as well as the road. It offers a sustainable, cost-effective travel option for short to medium commutes.