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South Australia 5035 Australia
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From Sunday 13 July 2025, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices (PMDs) will be legal to ride on many roads and paths across South Australia, following the finalisation of a new state-wide regulatory framework.
The announcement, made in late June by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis, confirms the legalisation of private PMD use after several years of trials and public consultation. Until now, use of e-scooters has only been permitted under council-run hire schemes in select areas.
Under the new rules, riders aged 16 and over will be allowed to ride their own e-scooter, e-skateboard, e-solo-wheel or other eligible PMD:
Riders must always wear a helmet and use front and rear lights when riding at night or in low light.
To be classified as a legal PMD in South Australia, a device must:
Devices that do not meet these requirements (including pedal-assist bikes, traditional skateboards, and oversized or seated scooters) will remain illegal on public land.
Most PMD offences carry a maximum court-imposed penalty of $2,500, though on-the-spot expiation fines also apply for common breaches:
A $102 Victims of Crime Levy applies to expiation notices. Additional road laws may also apply depending on the offence.
The government has confirmed that use will be closely monitored for 12 months, with a full review scheduled for July 2026.
At launch, PMDs will not be permitted on Adelaide Metro trains, trams, or buses due to ongoing safety concerns around battery fires seen in other states. The government is exploring safe options to eventually integrate PMDs with public transport systems.
Riders are also reminded that insurance is not mandatory, but any damage caused to people or property could result in personal liability.
Commercial hire schemes can continue operating from 13 July under council-issued permits. Devices must still comply with the new PMD regulations. Councils will retain the power to manage parking, geofencing, and impose additional safety requirements on operators.
Bike SA supports the move to legalise e-scooters and other PMDs. However, we are mindful that increased use of PMDs, particularly on shared paths and footpaths, introduces new safety challenges. We look forward to working closely with the government ahead of the 12-month review in July 2026 to improve safety for all road and path users.
For more details on the new rules, visit the My Licence website.
