Motorised Scooters and Wheelchairs

Motorised Scooters

Motorised or powered two-wheel scooters are growing in popularity. However, owners whould be aware of the rules governing their use in NSW.

Motorised or powered scooters are classed as "motor vehicles".
Motor vehicles should be registered and insured to be driven on the road. However, since these scooters do not comply with the Australian Design Rules they are ineligible for registration.
They can only be ridden on private property.
A motorised scooter is also classed as a motor bike so the rider will also need a class 'R' (motor cycle) licence.
People who ride scooters on the road reserve, including the footpath, can be fined up to $1500 for driving an unregistered vehicle, driving an unlicensed vehicle and driving an uninsured vehicle.
It is also an offence to ride a modified scooter - classified as a "toy vehicle" - on the road. These are scooters that have had a motor or power source added, as opposed to a factory designed and built motorised scooter.

Motorised wheelchairs or wheelchair scooters are classed as pedestrians and should go no faster than 10kph.
They must be driven on a footpath if one is available, or as close to the side of the road as practicable.
They must stick to the same road rules as pedestrians.
Wheelchair scooters and bicycles (including power assisted bicycles up to 200watts) are exempt from registration.

For more information on using motorised wheelchairs, see this RTA guide to using motorised wheelchairs.