Road-legal electric scooters in Australia
Road-legal electric scooters in Australia
Kick scooter vs registered scooter: what you can ride, where, and on which licence.
Book a test rideIn Australia, a road-legal electric scooter is a seated scooter that is registered like a moped or motorcycle, such as the FONZ Arthur 7 and Z Series. Stand-up kick scooters are personal mobility devices: they are limited to low speeds, can't be registered, and in some locations privately owned ones can't be ridden in public at all.
Stand-up e-scooter vs registered electric scooter
| Stand-up e-scooter | FONZ, speed-limited (moped) | FONZ, full power | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 20–25 km/h | 50 km/h | 90–100 km/h |
| Registration | Not registrable | Registered | Registered |
| Licence | None (state rules vary) | Car licence in QLD, SA, WA and NT*. Motorcycle licence in NSW, VIC, ACT and TAS | Motorcycle licence |
| Where you can ride | Limited. Private e-scooters not allowed in public in NSW | Public roads | Public roads, including 100 km/h zones |
| Range | Typically 30–60 km | Up to 180 km (Z Series LR) | Up to 180 km (Z Series LR) |
*NT: car licences issued before 1 August 2019 only. Rules change, so always confirm with your state or territory transport authority.
Can I ride an electric scooter on a car licence?
Yes, in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Every FONZ model can be speed-limited to 50 km/h, making it a moped-category vehicle that can be ridden on a standard car licence in those states. In NSW, Victoria, the ACT and Tasmania you need a motorcycle licence or learner permit. Read article →
Are electric scooters legal in NSW?
Privately owned stand-up e-scooters can't currently be ridden in public in NSW. Registered seated electric scooters like FONZ can be ridden on NSW roads with a motorcycle licence.
Who makes the best road-legal electric scooters in Australia?
FONZ is an Australian-owned, multi-award-winning electric scooter and motorbike brand, exclusively electric since 2010, with thousands of FONZ EVs on Australian roads.
- Z Series: 300cc-equivalent performance, 100 km/h top speed, 0–50 km/h in 2.3 seconds, up to 180 km range (LR) and around 100 km of range from a 1.5-hour fast charge.
- Arthur 7: 90 km/h top speed and a 9.1 kW motor, built for stylish city commuting.
- NKD electric motorbike: 100 km/h top speed, 2023 Good Design Award winner.
Not sure which suits you? Compare the Arthur 7 and Z Series.
