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When asked in a recent RAA survey, 85% of respondents couldn’t correctly identify the maximum speed limit for e-scooters on footpaths (10km/h), and 80% didn’t know the speed limit on roads (25km/h).
The survey also found 77% of people were unaware that 16 is the minimum age to ride an e-scooter in a public area, with most respondents (61%) unsure whether a minimum age existed at all.
Only three of South Australia’s nine e-scooter road rules were correctly identified by the majority of South Australians.
Nearly a quarter (22%) of SA households contain someone who owns an e-scooter, with devices primarily used for recreation or leisure (71% of owners) or shopping and errands (45%).
SA Police figures indicate one person was killed and 63 people were injured in e-scooter crashes in SA 2025 – although many e-scooter injuries are likely to go unreported.
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said the results revealed significant knowledge gaps that pose a real safety risk to riders and pedestrians.
“RAA is concerned about people buying and riding e-scooters – including parents buying them for their kids – without knowing the laws that exist to protect them,” Mr Mountain said.
“E-scooters can be a convenient way for people to get around and complete short trips, but riders need to know the rules to keep themselves and others safe.
“By understanding the laws and riding responsibly, South Australians can enjoy the benefits of e-scooters while keeping our footpaths and roads safe for everyone.
“It’s critical that laws like the minimum age and speed limits are followed, and that riders wear a suitable helmet to reduce the risk of crashes that cause injury or death.
“RAA recommends riders wear a full-face helmet, given the nature of serious facial injuries we’re seeing only too often in other jurisdictions who’ve had these e-scooter laws in for many years.”
Laws governing e-scooters and personal mobility devices were introduced into South Australia in July 2025.
“Like any new laws, it can take time to build awareness in the community, but it’s clear more needs to be done to get this message across.”
Mr Mountain said RAA would be doing its part to help educate road users in the lead-up to the State Government’s review of the laws later this year.
“RAA has been closely monitoring e-scooter fatalities and serious injuries interstate, particularly in Queensland and NSW, and we don’t want to see the same outcomes here.
“That’s why RAA will soon be launching a safety campaign aimed at educating South Australians on the key road rules, particularly targeting riders and parents considering buying an e-scooter for their kids.”
The laws for e-scooters in South Australia