What Are eRideables?

eRideables are electric rideable devices that are becoming increasingly popular for both travel and recreation. These devices include eScooters, eSkateboards, hoverboards, eSkates & eUnicycles. To qualify as an eRideable, the device must:

• Have at least one wheel
• Be designed for one person
• Not exceed 25 km/h on level ground
• Weigh 25 kg or less
• Be no more than 125 cm long, 70 cm wide, and 135 cm high

Devices such as mobility scooters, motorised wheelchairs & low-powered scooters for children are not considered eRideables and are subject to different regulations.

Rules and Safety Guidelines

As eRideables are classified as vehicles, they are subject to road laws unless explicitly excluded. Here are the key rules & safety measures for eRideables:

• Speed Limits: 10 km/h on footpaths & pedestrian crossings, and up to 25 km/h on bicycle paths, shared paths & local roads.
• One Person Per Device: Passengers & animals are not allowed.
• Helmet Use: Riders must wear an approved helmet.
• Hands-Free Riding: Riders must keep at least one hand on the handlebars and avoid using mobile phones.
• No Drink Riding: Riders are subject to the same drink & drug driving laws as car drivers.
• Parking: eRideables should not be left on roads or paths where they may obstruct others.

Sharing the Road Safely

To ensure the safety of all road users, eRiders should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Use lights & reflectors at night to remain visible.
• Give way to pedestrians and keep left unless overtaking.
• Use a bell or verbal warning when approaching pedestrians.
• Signal intentions using hand signals when turning.
• Ride in single file when in groups.
• Maintain a safe distance of at least 2 metres from vehicles on local roads.
• Adjust speed & behaviour according to road & path conditions.

Where Can You Ride?

eRideables are permitted on:

• Footpaths, bicycle paths & shared paths
• Roads without dividing lines and with speed limits of 50 km/h or less
• Bicycle lanes on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less

However, it is illegal to ride on:

• Roads with dividing lines
• Roads with speed limits exceeding 50 km/h
• Paths marked as 'no wheeled devices'
• Sections of separated paths designated for pedestrians

Mobile Phone Use

Riders are prohibited from holding mobile phones while riding. Phones may be used for calls or navigation if secured in a mounting or attached to the rider's arm, provided they are not touched during use.

Challenges in Dawesville

While eRideables offer convenience and fun, they are becoming a growing concern in Dawesville. The community has reported numerous near misses involving pedestrians and vehicles, raising questions about rider behaviour and safety compliance. Many riders are seen without helmets, ignoring one of the most basic safety requirements.

Local residents have expressed concerns about the lack of enforcement of eRideable regulations, particularly regarding speed limits and the use of protective gear. The combination of high speeds, crowded paths, and unprotected riders creates a dangerous environment for both eRiders and other road users.

To address these issues, Dawesville residents are calling for increased awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of eRideable laws to ensure the safety of everyone in the community.

Additional Resources

For more information on eRideables, including definitions, offences, and penalties, visit the Road Safety Commission's eRideables page. Resources such as fact sheets, quizzes, and media campaigns are also available to promote safe riding practices.