Australia's electric scooter landscape changed dramatically in 2025-2026, with South Australia legalizing private e-scooters in July 2025 and Victoria making their trial permanent. However, regulations still vary significantly by state—what's perfectly legal in Queensland could earn you a $600 fine in NSW. This comprehensive guide covers the best e-scooters available in Australia and state-by-state regulations you need to know.
Australian E-Scooter Regulations by State (2026)
Queensland — Most E-Scooter Friendly
QLD leads Australia in e-scooter adoption. Speed limits: 12 km/h on footpaths and shared paths, 25 km/h on bike paths and roads (50 km/h zones or less). Maximum 200W motor for footpath use. Riders must be 16+ (12-15 with supervision). Helmet mandatory, no phone use (fines exceed $1,000).
Victoria — Permanently Legal from October 2024
Following a successful trial, Victoria permanently legalized e-scooters. Maximum 20 km/h, must not exceed 25 km/h capability. Use bike lanes, shared paths, and roads up to 60 km/h—but NOT footpaths. Age 16+, helmet mandatory. Traffic offences can affect your driver's licence.
New South Wales — Still Restricted
Private e-scooters remain illegal on public roads, footpaths, and paths. Only rental scooters in approved trial areas (Wollongong, Forster-Tuncurry) are legal. New regulations expected February 2026 may finally legalize private scooters on shared paths and some roads.
South Australia — Newly Legal July 2025
Private e-scooters became legal July 13, 2025. Speed limits: 10 km/h on footpaths, 25 km/h on roads and bike lanes (50 km/h zones). Maximum weight 45 kg. Helmet mandatory. Government review scheduled for July 2026.
Western Australia
Legal with 10 km/h limit on footpaths, 25 km/h on bike paths and roads. Maximum 200-250W for public use. Age 16+, helmet mandatory.
Tasmania, ACT & Northern Territory
Tasmania: Legal since December 2021, 15 km/h footpaths, 25 km/h roads. ACT: Legal on paths and footpaths (not roads), 15 km/h footpaths, 25 km/h shared paths. Northern Territory: Private scooters illegal—only hire scooters in Darwin trial areas.
Best Electric Scooters in Australia for 2026
Apollo — Best Overall Brand for Australia
Apollo launched direct sales in Australia in December 2024 via apolloscooters.au with 60+ locations for test rides and servicing. All Apollo scooters feature IP66 waterproofing—excellent for Australian conditions. The Apollo City offers triple suspension, regen braking, and self-healing tires. The Apollo Ghost remains one of the most sought-after scooters globally. Available through Electric Kicks, E-Ozzie, iScoot, and Scooter Hut.
Segway-Ninebot — Best for Mainstream Buyers
Available at JB Hi-Fi with local warranty support. The E2 Refurbished at $299-349 offers excellent entry-level value. The MAX G3 at $1,199-1,799 provides 70km range for longer commutes. The ZT3 PRO offers premium features at $999-1,599. Strong service network makes Segway the safe choice.
EMove Cruiser — Best for Weather Resistance
With IP67 waterproofing (highest common rating), the EMove Cruiser handles any Australian weather. 100km range, 1000W motor, priced around $2,249. The white version is specifically recommended for hot Australian conditions as it retains less heat. Available at Hyped Rides, VoroMotors Australia, and Electric Kicks.
Kaabo — Best for Varied Terrain
Kaabo excels with dual-fork suspension and wider tires for off-road adventures. The Mantis 10 Plus V2 offers dual 1000W motors and 75km range around $2,500. The Wolf Warrior X MAX at $3,899 handles bush trails and urban commutes equally well. The Wolf King GTR MAX at $6,999-7,299 delivers extreme 105km/h speeds and 200km range for enthusiasts.
VSETT — Best for Legal Compliance
All VSETT models sold in Australia are capped to 25km/h to comply with Australian regulations—no illegal speed concerns. The VSETT 9+ from $1,999 offers great value; the VSETT 11+ at $4,999 provides premium performance within legal limits. Official distributor at vsett.com.au with excellent local support.
Inokim — Premium Quality
Known for durable construction and award-winning design. The Inokim Light 2 MAX at $2,199 balances portability with performance. The Inokim OXO Super at $2,899 offers premium features. Official Australian distributor Eco Scooters (1300 140 044) provides local warranty support.
Portable Option: Swappable Battery Scooters
While the American-made Levy Plus earned CNET's "best lightweight electric scooter" award for its innovative swappable battery system, Australian buyers face challenges: Levy doesn't ship directly to Australia, and importing through freight forwarders adds $300-500 AUD to costs, plus there's no local warranty. At just 13.6kg with batteries you can swap in seconds to double your range, it's an appealing concept for multimodal commuters. However, most Aussies would be better served by locally-available alternatives with established dealer networks. Keep an eye on local retailers for models with removable batteries, as this feature is becoming more common.
Where to Buy in Australia
National retailers: Electric Kicks (electrickicks.com.au), iScoot (iscoot.com.au), Scooter Hut (scooterhut.com.au), E-Ozzie (eozzie.com.au), The Simple Commute. Mainstream: JB Hi-Fi for Segway. Regional specialists: Ride Electric (Gold Coast), PedL (Sydney), Urban Wheelz (Cairns), Hyped Rides (Melbourne), Crooze (Gold Coast).
Key Buying Tips for Australia
Check your state laws first — regulations vary dramatically between states. Consider IP rating — IP66+ recommended for Australian weather. Choose light colors — white scooters stay cooler in summer. Buy from Australian retailers — local warranty and service support is essential. Verify speed compliance — many imported scooters exceed legal 25 km/h limits; look for Australian-spec versions.
With South Australia joining the legal e-scooter states and NSW expected to follow in 2026, Australia's e-scooter future looks bright. Whether you're commuting through Brisbane, cruising Melbourne bike lanes, or tackling Perth's paths, there's a quality, legally-compliant scooter for every Australian rider.