Do You Need A Licence To Drive Electric Scooter In Perth

Let's find out if you need an electric scooter licence Perth. Understand the local regulations and requirements for e-scooter use.
You’ve got your new electric scooter ready to move around Perth, maybe you’re planning to cruise down to Kings Park for a stunning view, or a round through the bustling streets of Northbridge, or along the Swan River.
But now, you’re probably wondering: Do you need a licence for an electric scooter in Perth?
The answer depends on the type of scooter you're using.
Understanding Electric Scooter Laws Perth
To legally ride in Perth, your scooter must meet the following criteria:
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Age Requirement: Riders must be at least 16 years old.
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Device Specifications:
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Maximum speed of 25 km/h on level ground.
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Maximum weight of 25 kg.
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Dimensions not exceeding 125 cm in length, 70 cm in width, and 135 cm in height.
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Usage: Designed for one person only.
If your scooter meets these specifications, you do not need a driver's licence to ride it on public paths in Perth.
Electric Scooter Licence Requirements
Consider, your e-scooter is powered by a motor that’s got some pep—but not too much! To comply with regulations, the motor should be rated at 200 watts or less. If it goes over that, your scooter might be classified as a moped or even a motorcycle.
And that means a whole different set of licensing rules comes into effect.
Here's a breakdown to distinguish between what laws are applied according to the features of your e-scooter:
Under 200W
- Treated like bicycles or toys, depending on speed and usage.
- No licence, no registration
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Can be used on footpaths and bike paths.
200W – 500W
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Under WA law, there is no strict motor power limit for these e scooters.
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What matters is:
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Max speed: ≤ 25 km/h
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Weight: ≤ 25 kg
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Dimensions: ≤ 125 cm L × 70 cm W × 135 cm H
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If those are met, considered as an eRideable in Perth, even if motor power is over 500W.
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No licence or rego needed
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Follow shared path and footpath rules
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Must wear a helmet
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Riders must be 16+
500W – 4,000W
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These can be classified as mopeds if:
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Max speed: ≤ 50 km/h
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Electric motor: ≤ 4,000W
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If true, then:
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Licence required (R-N moped licence or C-class car licence)
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Registration and helmets are mandatory
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Can only ride on roads, not footpaths or bike lanes
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Note: Motor power alone doesn't define moped status. It's based on speed and structure.
Over 4,000W (rare)
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These are treated as motorcycles
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Need:
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Motorcycle licence (R-E or R)
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Registration
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Helmet and safety gear
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Road use only
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Full traffic law compliance is required
How To Get Electric Scooter Licence In Perth
If your electric scooter goes faster than 25 km/h or is too big for eRideable rules, you’ll need a moped licence. That’s right — to ride legally, you must get an electric scooter l
icence Perth riders are required to hold for high-powered scooters.
Don’t worry, it’s simple! Let’s go step by step.
Step 1: Get Your Learner's Permit
Your first move to apply for electric scooter licence is to visit a DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services) centre. Take your ID, fill out the form, and do a quick road rules test and eye check.
Pass those, and you’ll get your learner's permit, which means you can start practising on your scooter (as long as it fits the moped type).
Step 2: Practice
Time to hit the road!:
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Ride with someone who holds a full motorbike licence
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Or get lessons from a riding school
This step isn’t required, but it really helps if you’re new to two wheels.
Step 3: Book and Pass the Riding Test
Ready to level up? Book your Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
It’s a short ride where an examiner checks how well you handle your scooter, follow the rules, and ride safely.
Once you pass, you’re nearly done!
Step 4: Get Your Full Licence
Passed the test? Nice! Now you’ll be issued your full licence for electric scooter (R-N class).
This lets you ride electric scooters or mopeds up to 50 km/h on the road, just like a motorbike.
But remember: no riding on footpaths or bike lanes with a moped.
Already Got a Car Licence?
If you already have a C-class car licence, you’re in luck. You don’t need to apply for a licence for electric scooter separately — your car licence already covers mopeds in WA!
Where You Can Ride Your Electric Scooter
You can legally ride your electric scooter in the following areas:
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Footpaths: Maximum speed of 10 km/h.
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Bicycle Paths and Shared Paths: Maximum speed of 25 km/h.
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Local Roads: Only on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less and without dividing line
If you have a high-powered scooter (licence required), with a licenced electric scooter, here’s where you can ride:
- On the road
- With traffic, just like a motorbike
You cannot ride:
- On footpaths,
- In bike lanes
- On shared paths
You must also wear a helmet, have a registered vehicle, and follow all road laws.
Electric Scooter Safety Rules Perth
For eRideables
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Helmet: Must wear a bike helmet
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Minimum Age: 16+
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Speed Limits:
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Max 10 km/h on footpaths
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Max 25 km/h on shared/bike paths and roads
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No passengers allowed
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No phone use or headphones
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Must have lights and reflectors if riding at night
For High-Powered E-Scooters
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Helmet: Must wear a motorbike-standard helmet
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Licence: Must apply for electric scooter licence (R‑N or higher)
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Registration: Required
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Follow all road rules (stop signs, indicators, etc.)
- Recommended: Gloves, long sleeves, sturdy shoes
To Sum Up
In Perth, even for footboard-style electric scooters, the rules depend on speed and motor power, not just design. If your scooter goes 25 km/h or less and weighs under 25 kg, it’s classed as an eRideable. You don’t need a licence or rego, and you can ride on footpaths, bike lanes, and shared paths — just wear a helmet and follow speed limits. But if your scooter is faster or more powerful (over 500W), it’s treated like a moped. That means you’ll need to apply for electric scooter licence, register it, wear a motorbike helmet, and stick to the roads. Always check your scooter’s specs before heading out!
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