The law for motorized small vehicles as it is appears on the official Australian State website on the 6/1/21
South Australia:
Can I ride a motorised wheeled recreational device on a road, footpath or bike track?
No. These devices cannot be used on roads or road related areas such as foot paths, bike/pedestrian tracks, or vehicle parking areas. Under South Australian legislation, these devices are considered to be motor vehicles. Operating a motor vehicle requires a driver’s licence, registration and compulsory third party insurance. As these devices do not meet the safety standards under the Australian Design Rules they are not eligible for registration.
What about powered assisted wheeled recreational devices advertised as toys? Can they be used on a road, footpath or bike track? No. Many power-assisted wheeled recreational devices available for purchase online or through retail stores are often sold as toys, depicting children riding them. Regardless of the power output of the motor fitted to the device, they cannot be used on roads or road related areas such as footpaths, bike/pedestrian tracks, or vehicle parking areas.
Where can I ride a motorised wheeled recreational device? These devices can only be used on private property. Failure to comply could result in fines for driving unregistered and uninsured and in some instances for not holding the appropriate driver’s licence.
Can I ride a non-motorised wheeled recreation device on a road, footpath or bike track? A wheeled recreational device that is not fitted with a motor and is propelled solely by human power or gravity can be used on footpaths, bike/pedestrian tracks, parks and in some circumstances on roads. Examples of these devices include:
Skateboards
Foot scooters
Rollerblades
Roller skates
For more information regarding the use of non-powered scooters and skateboards please refer to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s Towards Zero Together website.
The batteries of electric scooters undergo an obvious vulcanization reaction after 12 hours of use. The phenomenon can be eliminated by timely charging, if not, the vulcanized crystal will accumulate and gradually get so thick that the battery life of the electric scooter will be affected as well as a decline in battery’s capacity, thus affecting the electric scooter journey experience. So, in addition to charging regularly, make sure to charge as soon as you can after the battery is used up, so that the battery stays healthy.
Protect the charger
Many Electric Scooter riders focus on the battery, but ignore the charger, which is fine if it doesn’t need to charge. Electronics generally age after a few years of use, and chargers are no exception. If you have a problem with your charger, it could leave your scooter battery undercharged or bulging. This, of course, also affects battery life.Choose your charger carefully
Manufacturers of electric scooters typically have a customized specification for chargers, so don’t replace them with another when you don’t know what model it is.Carry out 3 ~ 5 times full charge and discharge first times you use it.
Generally speaking, it is confirmed that the battery needs to be activated, but this is not the user’s job. The lithium-ion battery is activated before it leaves the factory. However, due to the time difference in transportation or other reasons, sometimes, when the battery gets to the user’s hands it has already been 1-6 months since it left the factory. Because the electrode material of the battery might be passivated, therefore, it is recommended that the first-use battery be fully charged and then discharged 3 ~ 5 times in order to eliminate the passivation of electrode materials and achieve the maximum capacity.
Helmets protect against a variety of head injuries and wearing one would prevent most scooter injuries, the CDC finds. The biggest problem, bar none, is failure to use a helmet. If you don't already own a helmet, make it your first priority. Keep a helmet in your office or clip it to your backpack. If you're turned off by the idea of lugging one around, give collapsible bike helmets a shot.
Conduct a pre-ride safety check and regularly maintain your electric scooter
Before stepping on board, do a visual inspection by walking around the scooter and looking for any signs of damage or unusual wear. The wheels should be true and lights and batteries sufficiently powered. At the start of your ride, test the brakes and throttle. If you detect any issues, contact customer service. Make it a habit every once and awhile, depending on how often you use your scooter to check and tighten up any loose bolts and nuts.
Take a test ride
Just because you rode a scooter as a kid or are currently a cyclist, it doesn't mean you'll be a natural electric scooter rider.
It's a good idea to practice a little bit in an empty parking lot or open space before heading off.
After reading any supplied safety instructions practice starting and stopping, accelerating and decelerating, and manoeuvring around obstacles. "Keep your knees bent a little for more stability.
Curb your scooter
It's particularly important to consider where you drop the scooter off.
At the end of a ride, leave the scooter standing up and out of the way of pedestrians (especially wheelchair users) or any type of oncoming traffic. That means sidewalks, crosswalks, bus stops, driveways or service ramps should be considered no-parking zones.
Electric scooters one of the most portable P.E.V (personal transport vehicles). Many people would like assisted forms of transport but find them too cumbersome or too technical to be practical. Motorbikes are great, but you need a license and insurance to ride one. Bikes are excellent, but they’re too large to be considered truly portable. Electric scooters are light and fold up, allowing for easy storage and portability. You can simply pull it along meaning you can take it virtually anywhere. Then, when the time comes, you simply unfold it and you’re on your way!
2. Earth-friendly
We just can’t not mention the environment. The era-defining geopolitical story of our time is climate change. Our collective search for more environmentally-friendly modes of transport and reduced emissions is seeing some progress, with electric scooters being one of the front runners so far. They only use a small amount of electricity and don’t emit any emissions, which is better for the air quality in our cities and for the lungs of their residents. As a reliable, affordable, and earth-friendly way of travelling, it doesn’t get any better than an electric scooter.
3. Safety
Every vehicle has it's risks. When you travel on a vehicle your risk of having an accident increases – even something as simple as tripping or bumping into someone whilst jogging. Compared to other vehicles, scooters are one of safest option. You can simply step off if you see an imminent collision occurring. This is something you can’t do with bikes or roller skates, and you have immediate access to the brakes, which hover boards lack. Electric scooters are fast enough to be useful and fun to ride, but give you enough control that you feel safe and secure while riding.
It’s probably not surprising, but we can’t speak highly enough of electric scooters! Our very own electric scooter – EmoveCruiser– is a powerful example of how good they can be. With a range of up to 100 km, powerful Hydraulic Braking, and a top speed of 45 km/h, the Cruiser is one of the fastest and most exciting ways to get around town. Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews from satisfied customers!
The world has changed and so has the vehicles and traffic rules. Technology has taken over the roads and commutes, making electric scooters one of the best examples. E-scooters are one of the safest ride but still needs some tips on riding that can not be overlooked.
1. Protect Your Body
Many accidents can not be averted even if you take precautions. Therefore, it is essential to protective helmets, knee pads and elbow pads. Always wear an elbow and knee guard for protecting the sensitive skin on those areas from scrapes and scratches. Gloves are a better option as well for offering grip on the handlebar.
2. Check the tires
Never forget to check the tires before leaving to ride. Most specifically it is mandatory to check the air pressure in the tires. Constantly check when the treads are worn out. Replace if needed.
3. Focus While Riding
It is easy to lose focus of your surroundings while riding. Pay attention to pedestrians, oncoming traffic and other barriers. You have to be extra careful to prevent accidents. Abide by the regulations and rules, follow the path of people and safeguard yourself from infested places.
4. Be Aware of Barriers
Barriers may include potholes, bumps, and crevices. These are one of the major reasons of e-bike accidents. Concentrate while riding or slow and stop if necessary. Ideally, the key aspect is to stay calm, slowly decrease your speed until you come to a full stop. If stopping is not possible, immediately head towards a less crowded area or away from traffic. Be aware of puddles as well. Puddles might seem to be harmless, but they can be rather dangerous. They could hide holes and other crevices that could lead to a serious injury.
5. Avoid Slippery Surfaces
Be extra conscious while riding an e-bike on slippery and wet surfaces such as marble tiles, metal surfaces, wet streets, and muddy sidewalks. Water makes it more difficult for the tires to support your scooter, reduce friction between the tires and roads and might potentially cause injuries. Always keep a low speed when cruising on wet terrain.
Avoid from the slippery terrains while riding electric scooter
6. Don’t Ride During Lightning Storms
Rain and thunderstorms can make an electric scooter ride dangerous. However, if a lightning storm occurs, stop riding right away and rush to seek refuge. Lightning is extremely dangerous, especially when you are riding an electric scooter.
7. RTM (Read the Manual)
There is a lot of work that goes to ensure manuals are informative, concise, accurate and easy to read. The manuals should contain information regarding assembly, usage, maintenance and much more. Reading the manual is the first and foremost step in getting familiar with all the controls of your e-scooter.
8. Understand Your State and Local Laws
Whether you can legally ride your electric scooterentirely depends on the varying mix of state and local laws. Your state might allow e-scooters but your city might not. Ask yourself a few important questions for apprehending the state and local laws regarding e-bikes. All these questions are decided at the state or local level. It’s best that you are aware from all of them.
Can you ride on the sidewalk?
Can you ride in bike lanes?
Can you cross at intersections?
Do you need a valid driver’s license?
9. Use Hand Signals
It is important to be aware of your surroundings. The part of surrounding awareness also incorporates the hand signalling to passers-by. Turning left, turning right or stopping are few of the electronic turn signals done through the arm movements.
The signals vary from community or region to region. In some communities, you can also signal a right turn by extending your left arm out. This is common enough that, as a rider or pedestrian, you should be aware of it.
Hand signals to use while riding electric scooter
Make sure you quickly glance behind you to see before making a turn if there are any pedestrians. And also be extra careful as not all electric scooters can be operated with one hand. hand.
10. Avoid Unfavourable Riding Conditions
Unfavourable conditions can be natural or might be some rough road conditions, low-light, crowds, and uneven pavement. Although most of the e-scooters are equipped with LED headlights however, it’s always best to avoid low-light conditions whenever possible because it becomes hard to see what’s in front of you, especially when you’re traveling faster than 10, 11, 12 mph. Moreover, electric scooters work best on a flat, level pavement. Stay away from sharp inclines, steep hills and, most of all, uneven pavements.
The electric scooter is making waves and fast becoming the new mode of transportation in different countries across the world. They are silent, they cost less, and they are eco-friendly. It is because of this rising trend that we see the increase of electric scooter sales and electric scooter rental services worldwide.
Using the electric scooter to aid mobility has become a thing that is seemingly here to stay, and I think it is safe to say that it is only a matter of time before the rest of the world joins in. However, for those who are thinking of joining the trend, one question remains; is it better to rent or to own the electric scooter.
This question is on the minds of so many people, and today, we are going to be looking into the benefits of both owning and renting the electric scooter.
RENTING AN ELECTRIC SCOOTER
With so many electric scooter rental outlets around today, it is as easy as simply filling out the necessary information for registration and finding the nearest available scooter ready for use. The cost of renting an electric scooter is not a lot at all. In fact, it is because of how affordable it is to rent an electric scooter that the scooter has become very popular today.
Benefits of Renting an Electric Scooter
Cost: When renting an electric scooter, the cost is very minimal, and it is charged according to the distance covered while riding it.
Maintenance: When you decide to rent an electric scooter, the burden and the cost of maintenance is off your shoulders. You do not have to bother yourself with making sure the scooter is at optimal functional capacity.
Charging: Another benefit of renting an electric scooter is the fact that you do get to save up on electricity used to charge the scooter.
Model: When renting an electric scooter, you are not guaranteed the same scooter every time. This means that you are guaranteed to get to use a different scooter with every rental you make.
Detriments of Renting an Electric Scooter
Convenience: When renting an electric scooter, you cannot simply pick one up and be on your way, you actually have to search around for one that is available for use.
Safety Gear: Many electric scooter rental services do not offer any safety gear; rather they advise renters to have their own safety gear. It is rather bothersome to carry about electric scooter safety gear simply because there is a possibility that you may need to rent one. As a result of this, many renters do not use safety gear when riding an electric scooter.
Model: When renting an electric scooter, there are only so many models that you can pick from, and these are models like Bird or Lime which do not last very long on a single charge.
Lack of Freedom: To be able to ride an electric scooter, you first need to find it. Sometimes, the nearest electric scooter available for rent might be 5 miles away, which beats the purpose of using the electric scooter for that last mile distance. Needless to say, sometimes when you actually found the electric scooter, there is a good chance it is a spoilt one and you cannot use it.
OWNING AN ELECTRIC SCOOTER
Owning an electric scooter is something that is a big deal to a lot of people. It is almost as big a deal as deciding whether to own a car or not. Owning an electric scooter is something of a commitment, and it is something that you want to be careful with before you make a decision.
Benefits of Owning an Electric Scooter
Customizability: When you own your own electric scooter, you have the freedom to customize it anyhow you like and to suit your personal taste.
Convenience: Owning an electric scooter means having the convenience of not having to walk around searching for an available scooter anytime you need to use one.
Cost: It is only cost effective that if you are prone to using an electric scooter every day, you may as well buy one as the accumulated cost of buying one will be cheaper in the long run.
Model: When buying an electric scooter, you have the option of getting any model you want. Preferably a model like the EMOVE cruiser that allows you to ride up to 62 miles on a single charge.
Preference: When you own an electric scooter, you can get one that suits your personal needs and preference.
Safety gear: Owing an electric scooter gives you the motive to carry about and use your safety gear with ease.
Detriments of Owning an Electric Scooter
Charging: Owing an electric scooter means having to ensure that it is charged appropriately with your own electricity.
Maintenance: When you own your own electric scooter, the burden of maintenance falls upon your shoulders. Although, maintaining an electric scooter is rather inexpensive.
Model: If you happen to own a regular mid-range electric scooter, then you are stuck with it for a long time.
Care: When you own an electric scooter, you have to think about carrying into buildings and taking it into your home at the end of the day.
Now that we have seen the pros and cons of both renting and owning an electric scooter let us compare the most important elements of both scenarios.
Cost: When renting an average electric scooter, it can cost about $1.50 per mile. Say for instance you cover about 10-miles a day your total rental bill will come to $15 a day.
When you own an electric scooter, you could cost you about 9cents per mile. This means that for the same 10-mile distance a day, you will be racking up only 90cents a day. Not counting our heavy duty EMOVE Cruiser riders who are covering 40-50 miles on a daily basis.
Basically, when it comes to the cost analysis, in the long run, it is much cheaper to own an electric scooter rather than to keep renting all year round.
Convenience
In terms of convenience, I think it’s a foregone conclusion that buying is better than renting. The reasons are very simple. As stated above;
It is less hassle to use a scooter when you own one; however, if you need to rent one, then you would have to go around looking for one that is available for rent. This has to be the best benefit after the cost of buying an electric scooter.
When you buy your own electric scooter, it stays with you always. This means that you can go about on your electric scooter all day whereas, with a rented electric scooter, you would still be required to walk around during your commute. You could either be looking for one to rent or be looking for where to conveniently leave the one that you have rented.
Usage
When you own your own scooter, you can learn all there is to learn about using that particular model, and you can even customize the scooter to suit you, however, when you rent an electric scooter, you are subject to whatever model is available for rent and as such handling the available scooters may sometimes be a problem.
Electric scooters are the next big thing, and the rate of adoption is fast rising each day. Whether you choose to rent or you buy one, you would want to weigh the pros and cons objectively. However, from our judgment, it only makes both an economical and logical sense that you buy your very own scooter.
Not only would you enjoy the flexibility that ownership affords you, but you would also be making a personal statement, representing the future of transport.
