South Australia plans major overhaul of e-bikes and e-scooter laws
Speed limits and age restrictions for e-bikes and e-scooters may soon change after the South Australian government announced a major overhaul of existing laws.
The state government has begun reviewing its laws regarding the use of personal mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters.
Members of the public can help shape what changes, if any, will be made to vehicle regulations.
The use of private e-scooters and other PMDs was legalized in SA on 13 July 2025, setting out a number of laws governing their use.
This included a helmet requirement but not a license requirement.
However, it is likely that stricter rules, such as permit requirements, will be implemented as part of the review.
The renewal could also close a legal loophole that makes it harder for police to crack down on people using the devices while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
While it is currently illegal to ride PMDs and e-bikes under the influence, police have no power to test in SA.
This means they need to detect if the driver was under the influence of other, less reliable means.
But the review could result in police being given powers to carry out the same types of tests that other road users would be subjected to.
Authorities may also consider changes to speed limits, age restrictions and other rules regarding PMDs.
“We’ve been clear from day one that we would review these laws after the first year, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” said transportation minister Joe Szakacs.
“Personal mobility devices and e-bikes are active transport options that are here to stay, so it is important that we ensure the laws governing their use remain fit for purpose.
“We want to hear directly from South Australians about what’s working, what’s not working and where we can improve.”
Survey participants are asked for their opinions on the state’s current rules.
These include:
• 10 km speed limit for e-scooters on footpaths, beaches and shared paths;
• E-scooters are allowed to be used in bicycle lanes on roads with a speed limit of 60k/h – 25k/h; And
• Other PMDs, such as e-skateboards, are permitted on 50 km/h roads at speeds of 25 km/h or less.
“E-scooters and e-bikes are becoming a more common part of how people move, but we know there are also concerns about their use,” Mr Szakacs said.
“The purpose of the review is to listen, understand these concerns and make sure the current settings are right for our community.
“We’re not going into this with a fixed outcome; we’re open to any changes that may be necessary to make the rules work for everyone.”
It follows moves to change e-bike and e-scooter rules elsewhere in the country, including Queensland, where a parliamentary committee is leading the rule on changes to speed limits.
