A 39-year-old man from Stony Rise has been charged with driving offences after he was detected on an electric scooter travelling at 52 km/h on Gilbert Street at Latrobe this morning.
Police have charged the man with offences including disqualified driving, drug driving, and use an unregistered vehicle. He will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court at a later date.
"It's important for people to be aware that if an electric scooter exceeds 25 km/h under its own power, it falls into the definition of a motor vehicle," said Acting Inspector Martin Parker.
"Subsequently, all of the laws that govern motor vehicles apply to it, including the requirement to be registered and insured, and the driver to hold a light motor vehicle licence."
"The laws apply to all vehicles which can travel at speed, to ensure the safety of all road users."
- A scooter is only considered to be an electric scooter if it does not exceed 10 km/h under its own power.
- If it exceeds 10 km/h but does not exceed 25 km/h under its own power, it falls into the definition of a personal mobility device.
- If it exceeds 25 km/h under its own power, it falls into the definition of a motor vehicle and all of the laws that govern motor vehicles apply.
"Police urge all scooter users to be safe, wear a helmet and to be aware of the rules and comply with them," said Acting Inspector Parker.
Scooter rules can be located at – https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/road_safety_and_rules/personal_mobility_devices
