A chance encounter with a street performer ignited my passion for electric skateboards. The cool stunts and the speed of the skateboarders instantly sparked a desire within me for freedom and speed. However, as I prepared to embark on my own electric skateboard journey, a series of questions arose, the most pressing of which was: are electric skateboards legal in Melbourne?
With these uncertainties in mind, I set out on a journey of discovery and discovered a series of regulations on electric skateboards that are both complex and fascinating.
Melbourne and Victoria regulations
Victoria, where Melbourne is located, has relatively strict regulations on the use of electric skateboards. The use of electric skateboards on public roads, sidewalks or natural areas is absolutely prohibited.
Electric skateboards can only be used on private property with the permission of the owner. Once, while walking in the park, I saw a young man riding an electric skateboard on the pavement. It didn’t take long for the park rangers to politely stop him, which made me realize the seriousness of the local regulations.
The situation in other parts of Australia
Other parts of Australia also have their own regulations for electric skateboards. For example, Onewheels is only legal in Queensland, and is also allowed on footpaths and cycle paths in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), but there are some restrictions:
- Speed limit: Unless riding on private property, the speed limit is 25 km/h.
- Age limit: Only people aged 16 or over are allowed to ride, and young people aged 12 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Behavior limit: Riders are strictly prohibited from using mobile devices while riding, and riding under the influence of alcohol is also prohibited. I heard that in Queensland, a 14-year-old was given a stern warning by the police for riding an Onewheel alone on a bicycle path.
As for electric scooters, in Australia you can only ride an electric scooter provided by an approved operator in a designated trial area. Other electric scooters can only be used on private property. In addition, it is illegal to carry passengers and the rider must be at least 18 years old. A friend of mine was fined for riding his electric scooter outside the trial area because he didn’t know about the rule.
Rules in some parts of the United States
In the USA, regulations for electric scooters vary from region to region. In California, riders must be at least 16 years old and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They may only be ridden on roads with a speed limit of less than 35 mph, and riding on highways is strictly prohibited.
In New York, riding an electric scooter on public roads and sidewalks is illegal, but it is allowed on private property. One of my friends almost drove an electric skateboard into the entrance of a highway in California, but was stopped by the police in time, avoiding a possible danger.
Rules for using and carrying electric skateboards
Helmets must be worn
Vehicle Code Section 21292 clearly states that a suitable bicycle helmet must be worn when riding an electric skateboard on a freeway, bicycle lane, sidewalk, or trail. Once, I saw a young man at a skate park who was so confident in his skateboarding skills that he rode without a helmet.
He ended up falling on his face and hitting his head hard on the ground. Fortunately, he only suffered minor injuries, but since then, he always wears a helmet whenever he skateboards.
Skateboard parks: the perfect place to ride
Skateboard parks are a paradise for electric skateboard fans. They are designed for skateboarders and offer the perfect environment for practising all kinds of tricks.
Many skateboard parks also allow the use of electric longboards, which offer an exciting riding experience. In the skateboard parks I often visit, there are always lots of people enjoying the fun of electric skateboards and sharing tips in a friendly atmosphere.
Travel and airport carry-on regulations
When traveling with an electric skateboard, the battery capacity is key. Skateboards with a battery capacity of less than 100Wh can be taken on board. As a rule, passengers can check in electric skateboards with a lithium-ion battery capacity of less than 100Wh, while skateboards with a battery capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior approval from the relevant authorities.
A friend of mine bought an electric skateboard with a battery capacity of more than 100Wh without applying for prior approval. He was stopped at the airport and had to leave his skateboard there.
As for carrying skateboards at the airport, they can be included in carry-on luggage, which is very convenient for frequent travelers. However, it is important to ensure that the dimensions comply with airport regulations to avoid any problems.
Electric skateboard taboo list
When driving an electric skateboard, the following behaviors must be avoided to ensure the safety of yourself and others:
- Ignoring traffic rules and local laws: Running red lights or riding against the flow of traffic is not only dangerous, but also attracts penalties. I once read a news report about someone who was riding an electric skateboard and ran a red light, only to be hit by a car and seriously injured.
- Not wearing safety equipment: Helmets, knee pads and other protective gear can greatly reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall. A friend of mine once played skateboarding without knee pads, and as a result, his knee was bleeding profusely, and he was grimacing with pain while receiving treatment in the hospital.
- Speeding and reckless maneuvers: Trying to show off by speeding or performing dangerous stunts can easily lead to loss of control and falls. In skate parks, people are often seen speeding up and trying dangerous stunts, which results in injuries.
- Overloading the board: Exceeding the weight limit of the board can affect its performance and safety, and may cause the board to break or the rider to lose control. I once saw two people squeeze onto an electric scooter. It wasn’t long before the board broke under their combined weight, sending them crashing to the ground.
- Wrong riding technique: Poor technique can easily lead to accidents. Beginners should learn slowly and not rush. At first, my technique was poor and I fell a lot, but with practice I gradually improved.
- Riding with a low battery: This can leave you stranded half way. One of my classmates went out without checking the battery level and ended up pushing the scooter for several kilometers after the battery ran out.
- Using it on the wrong terrain: Riding on uneven or unsuitable terrain can easily lead to accidents. Once, I tried riding on a rough dirt road and quickly fell and damaged the scooter.
Onewheel recall
On September 29, 2023, all models of Onewheel electric skateboards were recalled due to at least four reported fatalities between 2019 and 2021.
The recall involves more than 300,000 self-balancing electric skateboards. This incident was a major reason why Onewheel was banned in many areas. I used to admire the unique design and riding style of Onewheel, but after learning about this incident, I realized how important safety is in the electric skateboard sector.