Using e-scooters and e-skateboards on WA roads and shared paths

In 2025, an inquiry into e-scooters and e-bikes in WA made a number of recommendations including changes to laws, many of which the state government supported and are planned for implementation.

In the meantime, police will continue to enforce the current rules, including targeting illegal devices and unsafe riding behaviour on WA roads.

If you’re considering purchasing an eRideable such as an e-scooter, these are the key rules you need to know to stay safe when you ride, and to stay on the right side of the law.

What defines an eRideable?

The eRidable rules apply to small electric rideable devices, including e-scooters, e- skateboards, hoverboards and eUnicycles (classed together as eRideables).

It’s important to note that e-bikes, the old-style Segway, motorised wheelchairs or low-powered scooters under 200W, are not considered eRideables, and are dealt with in a different section of the Road Traffic Code 2000.

To be considered an eRideable, the device must also have an electric motor or motors, be designed to be ridden by only one person, have at least one wheel, and have a stopping system controlled by brakes, gears, or motor control.

Regulations on size and weight

An eRideable must be no more than 125cm long, 70cm wide and 135cm high, weigh 25kg or less, and must not be capable of travelling faster than 25km/h when propelled by the motor on level ground. eRideables that weigh more than 25kg are not legal to ride on roads and paths in WA.

What are the rules about speed and speed limits?

Under the rules, if an eRideable is ridden on an ordinary footpath or pedestrian crossing, it must not exceed 10km/h. On shared paths and bicycle paths, and on local roads where the speed limit is 50km/h or less and there are no dividing lines, they can travel no more than 25km/h.

eRideables cannot be ridden along roads with a speed limit above 50km/h, or where there is a dividing line or median strip down the centre, or on one-way roads with more than one marked lane. However, eRideables can be ridden in a bicycle lane, as long as the speed limit on the road is not more than 50km/h.

Do you need a helmet?

Yes, as with bicycles, riders must wear an approved helmet, and the device or rider must have reflectors and lights if being ridden where visibility is restricted (e.g. in poor weather or at night).

Unless it’s not practicable to have one, the eRideable must have a bell or warning device fitted.

Reckless riding and riding under the influence

Riders must not ride recklessly or without care and attention, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is also unlawful for more than one person to ride an eRideable device at the same time. As with driving a vehicle, a person operating an eRideable must not hold a mobile phone in their hand while riding. It may be affixed to an appropriate mobile phone mounting, enabling the rider to touch it to make or receive a call. Calls can be made or received and navigation may also be used without touching it.

Are there age restrictions for riders?

Yes, children under 16 cannot ride an eRideable with the motor engaged. They are, however, able to ride low-powered scooters that do not exceed 200 watts, or 10km/h when propelled by the motor.

Make sure the one you buy is legal to use in WA

If you’re considering buying an eRideable, WA Consumer Protection warns buyers to do their homework.

Some models available for sale fall outside the guidelines and would still not be legal to operate on paths or roads, leaving riders at the risk of a fine if they break the rules.

A quick scan online shows some devices can travel far faster than the 25km/h maximum speed required under WA law, and not all have speed limiters as standard, while others fit the size restriction but not the weight.

Some second-hand scooters being sold have had speed limiters removed, meaning some can travel up to three times faster than the legal limit.

The benefits

Besides being fun to ride over flat ground, they offer a lightweight and relatively inexpensive option for commuters and can also help manage congestion.

Many can fold up under a desk, travel in a lift, or, for those who split their commute, they can fit into a car boot or be taken on public transport - although there are some restrictions in place for travel on public transport.

They also don’t require the same effort as traditional bikes, so riders might not need end-of-trip facilities or a shower, and because the rider stands, they don’t need to worry about work clothes getting tangled in chains.

“These devices can reduce unnecessary vehicle trips, helping to manage congestion and reduce transport costs and vehicle emissions as well,” says RAC senior manager, Public Policy, Anita McCracken.

“Around half of all car trips in Perth are less than five kilometres, so for short distances where you don’t need to carry much, and commutes, these devices really do offer a fantastic alternative.”

It’s perhaps not surprising then that Australian sales of micromobility devices, and e-scooters in particular, have soared.

But along with growing ridership, there has been a rising tide of rider and pedestrian injuries.

Anita McCracken says RAC welcomed most of the findings of the 2025 eRideable Inquiry.

“Our research shows that two in three members don’t feel safe walking on paths with these devices” McCracken says.

“We want to make sure that people can use them safely around different types of road users.

“They are now ubiquitous and still growing in popularity - how well we manage them is critical.”