Electric scooter laws in South Australia: what is legal in 2026
PMDs must weigh no more than 45 kg, fit 1250 x 700 x 1350 mm and have effective brakes and a warning device. Riders must be 16 or older. The cap is 10 km/h on footpaths, shared paths, beaches and crossings, and 25 km/h on bicycle infrastructure and permitted roads. On 60 km/h roads, e-scooters may use a bicycle lane only. PMDs currently cannot be carried on SA public transport.
Last reviewed 17 Oct 2026
Electric scooter rider in South Australia. Photo for illustration.
Key points
- Check the exact Australian unit, not an overseas or sibling model.
- Maximum device capability and riding-speed caps are different.
- Unknown required dimensions, wheelbase, power or configuration are not an approval.
Before you buy or ride
PMDs must weigh no more than 45 kg, fit 1250 x 700 x 1350 mm and have effective brakes and a warning device. Riders must be 16 or older. The cap is 10 km/h on footpaths, shared paths, beaches and crossings, and 25 km/h on bicycle infrastructure and permitted roads. On 60 km/h roads, e-scooters may use a bicycle lane only. PMDs currently cannot be carried on SA public transport.
South Australia: check the exact device
No more than 45 kg and 1250 x 700 x 1350 mm; effective brakes, warning device and no dangerous protrusions. Check the exact device and local rules, not an app speed mode alone.
Riding speed and places
10 km/h on footpaths, shared paths, beaches and crossings; 25 km/h on permitted bicycle infrastructure and roads. On 60 km/h roads, e-scooters may use a bicycle lane only. PMDs are currently not carried on SA public transport.
Rider age, licence and exceptions
Riders must be 16 or older.
Government of South Australia (mylicence) current guidance, checked 2026-10-17. Check a specific device for SA.
Use the buyer tools carefully
Filter the scooter directory, compare your shortlist and check the model for your state. Results use published evidence, not a physical certification. Confirm working brakes, warning device, lights, helmet, route signs and rider eligibility before riding.
Law updates, new models and buying guides for Australian e-scooter riders, straight to your inbox.
The speed on a display is not the whole device definition.
Frequently asked questions
Does a speed mode or retailer label establish legal eligibility?
No. Check maximum device capability, required weight, dimensions, stopping equipment and any wheelbase or power definition. Missing evidence stays unconfirmed. Rider conditions and permitted locations are separate.
What does Queensland's February 2027 transition mean?
The current PMD definition includes motor-only capability no more than 25 km/h. Through 28 February 2027, a transition covers devices manufactured before 1 July 2026 that met the former definition. A model year or app mode does not establish this exception; we do not presume it for unverified units.
Sources
- Government of South Australia (mylicence) (checked 17 Oct 2026)