RAA applauds South Australia’s green light for e-scooters
RAA applauds South Australia’s green light for e-scooters | Insurance Business Australia
Motor & Fleet
RAA applauds South Australia’s green light for e-scooters
Insurance issues highlighted
Motor & Fleet
By
Roxanne Libatique
The Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) has endorsed the state government’s decision to legalise e-scooters on public roads and pathways.
The government of South Australia announced plans to introduce the Statutes Amendment (Personal Mobility Devices) Bill 2024, which will allow the use of privately-owned e-scooters and other personal mobility devices on roads and in public spaces.
Community consultation will occur before finalising the regulations.
South Australia’s proposed e-scooter laws
The proposed laws will include:
permitting privately-owned e-scooters on public footpaths and pedestrian infrastructure with a 15km/h speed limit
allowing e-scooters on public roads where the default vehicle speed limit is 50km/h, with a maximum e-scooter speed of 25km/h
requiring helmet use at all times
prohibiting e-scooter use under the influence of alcohol or drugs
setting a minimum rider age of 16
RAA welcomes decision
RAA future mobility expert Mark Borlace welcomed the initiative to legalise privately-owned e-scooters.
“E-scooters are a fantastic first and last mile active transport solution,” he said. “Whether you’re traveling to and from public transport, around the city, or in your local area – e-scooters can be a great alternative to taking a car or having to walk if distance is an issue.”
He stressed the importance of a legislative framework to ensure safe use.
“We know there is strong support for e-scooters in the community, and amongst RAA members as well,” he said. “Like everything, we’ll need the right legislative framework in place to ensure they are used safely in the community, and we look forward to working with the government as they seek to develop the regulations.”
Insurance issues
Borlace also highlighted insurance as a significant concern in other states where e-scooters have been legalised.
“If someone hits a person or object while riding an e-scooter, there’s a public liability issue that will need to be addressed,” he said. “Through the consultation period, we look forward to better understanding how the proposed legislation and regulations will address that important issue.”
Currently, e-scooters are only allowed under trial conditions in Adelaide’s CBD, North Adelaide, the City of Norwood, Payneham, and St Peters, and along the coastal park path in the City of Charles Sturt, in partnerships between local councils and commercial e-scooter fleet operators.
The motoring group applauded the $10 million allocated for exploring the extension of the Seaford and Gawler rail lines, consistent with its advocacy for enhanced transport infrastructure to support South Australia’s growing population. Key funded projects include:
$20 million to strengthen the resilience of the Riverland road network
$35 million to enhance regional road safety
$150 million to upgrade the Mt Barker and Verdun interchanges
$200 million for managed motorway components on the South Eastern Freeway
continued commitment to completing the North-South Corridor
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