Motorised Devices

Motorised Scooters, Mini-Bikes and other Motorised Devices

In the ACT all devices with a motor must be registered for use on a road or road-related area unless they are specifically exempt. (See exemptions below)

Motorised foot scooters, miniature motorbikes (also known as mini bikes, pocket bikes or monkey bikes) and other motorised recreational devices do not meet minimum Australian design standards for safety and so cannot be registered. This means they must not be used on roads or in any public areas such as footpaths, car parks and parks.

There are heavy penalties for using unregistered and uninsured vehicles. Police can also seize and take possession of unregistered vehicles.

There are some retailers who sell these vehicles and fail to warn customers that they cannot be used on roads or in public areas.

Exemptions

The Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2000 describes vehicles that are exempt from registration provisions in the ACT.

Motor assisted pedal cycles with electric or petrol engines are exempt from registration, provided the maximum engine output power does not exceed 200 watts. These vehicles must have been designed as a bicycle - that is, to be propelled by human power, with the motor attached as a supplementary aid only. Riders must follow the same road rules as for pedal cycles without motors, including wearing a helmet.

Motorised wheelchairs and other types of disabled persons’ conveyances are exempt from registration and operators of these vehicles must comply with the same road rules as pedestrians. This is providing:

· They are used solely for the conveyance of a person with a disability that substantially impairs the person’s mobility.

· They are not capable of travelling at more than 10km/h.

ACT Attorney General Simon Corbell has granted a limited exemption to allow Segways to operate in the central basin area of Lake Burley Griffin. A person is able to hire a Segway from an authorised operator for use in the declared area only. Personal Segways are banned from use on roads or in public areas. This exemption started on Saturday 17th September 2011 and will remain in place until 30 June 2012. The exemption will not be extended if the review of Segway use concludes that its use should not be continued.

Prohibited vehicles

The following vehicles (irrespective of the power output of the motor) are banned from use on roads or in public areas:

·          Motorised foot scooters (with or without a seat) – electric/petrol engine

·          Mini bikes or monkey bikes

·          Motorised human transporters such as the WheelMan, or SEGWAY (exemptions apply)

·          Motorised skateboards – electric/petrol engine