Electric scooters and bikes

This page explains which electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) can be used in public places in the NT and the rules that apply.

Permitted e-scooters and e-bikes

To ride an e-scooter or e-bike in a public place in the NT, it must meet the following requirements.

Definition

Maximum power output

Maximum speed

Beam e-scooter - An e-scooter made available for public hire in Darwin under an operator agreement with the City of Darwin.

-

15 km/h

Motorised scooter - as defined in rule 244A(1) of the Australian Road Rules

200 watts

10 km/h

Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC) – An e-bike that meets European safety standard EN 15194

250 watts

25 km/h

Power-assisted bicycle - An e-bike with a maximum power output of 200 watts

200 watts

-

Most e-scooters and some e-bikes sold for private use don't meet these definitions or exceed these limits.

If your vehicle exceeds these limits or does not meet one of the definitions above, it is classified as a non-complying motor vehicle.

You can't ride a non-complying motor vehicle on roads, paths or other public places unless the Registrar of Motor Vehicles has granted an exemption and you comply with its conditions.

If you ride a non-complying motor vehicle unlawfully, you may:

  • receive a fine for driving an unregistered or uninsured motor vehicle
  • receive a fine for driving unlicensed if you do not hold a driver licence or learner licence
  • receive demerit points
  • have your driver licence cancelled.

Read about traffic offence fines and demerit points.

Permitted e-bike rules

If your e-bike meets European safety standard EN 15194 or has a maximum power output of 200 watts, you must follow the rules that apply to bicycles.

These rules are set out in the Australian Road Rules, as modified by Division 2 of Part 6 of the Traffic Regulations 1999.

Read more about bicycle safety.

Motorised e-scooters rules

If your e-scooter is a motorised scooter under rule 244A(1) of the Australian Road Rules, you must obey the rules, including:

  • give way to pedestrians and keep left where practicable
  • wear an approved bicycle helmet
  • follow pedestrian and scooter related traffic lights, crossings, signs and directions
  • do not ride on roads with a speed limit over 50 km/h
  • do not ride on roads with a dividing line or median strip
  • do not hold onto moving vehicles or allow yourself to be towed
  • ride safely and stay aware of pedestrians, vehicles and other path users.

You must not ride any other type of e-scooter unless it is covered by an exemption granted by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Beam e-scooter rules

You can ride a Beam e-scooter in public places within the approved operating area in Darwin, except where use is prohibited.

You must comply with the conditions of the Exemption: Drivers of Beam Electric Scooters PDF (475.6 KB).

Use the map below to see where Beam e-scooters can operate.

You can also download the operating zone map KML (74.9 KB).

Before you ride

To hire and ride a Beam e-scooter, you must follow the conditions provided when you hire the scooter. This means you must:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • wear an approved bicycle helmet that fits securely
  • follow any geo-fencing instructions provided by the e-scooter
  • ride only on footpaths, shared paths, bicycle paths, or land beside a road (excluding another road or road-related area)
  • follow the information in the Beam mobile app and stay within the approved operating area
  • keep left where practical
  • give way to pedestrians
  • park the e-scooter so it does not block a path, road or driveway, or create a hazard for pedestrians or other road users.

You must not:

  • carry a passenger or use a mobile phone while riding
  • commit a drink or drug driving offence
  • ride carelessly, inconsiderately or dangerously
  • take the e-scooter on public transport or outside the approved operating area
  • ride on a road, including a bicycle lane on a road, unless there is an obstruction on a footpath, nature strip, shared path or adjacent land. In this situation, you may ride on the road for up to 50 metres
  • ride or use the e-scooter on any path, nature strip or adjacent land beside:
    • Bagot Road
    • Trower Road
    • Stuart Highway
  • between 8 pm and 6 am, ride or use the e-scooter on any path, nature strip or adjacent land beside the section of Mitchell Street between Peel Street and Knuckey Street.

Safety features

Safety features include:

  • a speed limit of 15 km/h
  • an electronic warning bell
  • front and rear lights that must be working at night
  • geo-fencing that restricts use outside the approved operating area.

Report an issue

If a rider is breaking the law, refer the matter to the police.

To report a Beam vehicle or rider, submit a report on the Beam website. Include the registration number (if possible), details of the rider's behaviour, location and time.

For help with Beam vehicles, contact them:

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