An e-scooter shared scheme trial is currently taking place in Lake Macquarie City, with the trial being carried out by Council’s economic development company Dantia.

As part of this trial, people are able to ride e-scooters hired from the selected provider, Beam on designated shared paths only. Download the map of e-scooter shared scheme trial locations in Lake Macquarie

Please remember, private e-scooters are illegal on NSW roads and road related areas. Significant fines continue to apply.

Trial rules and tips for hired e-scooter riders

• You can ride a shared e-scooter hired from the selected provider on designated shared paths only. Use of private e-scooters remains illegal.
• You must be 16 years or older to participate in the trial.
• It is illegal to ride on footpaths.
• Only one person is allowed to ride a shared e-scooter at any one time.
• On the designated shared paths,
  • You are limited to 10km/h
  • Must give way to pedestrians
  • Must keep left.

• You must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times when riding an e-scooter.
• You must use the e-scooter lights when riding in darkness or hazardous weather conditions.
• A BAC limit of 0.05 applies when riding an e-scooter. If you are drinking, don’t ride an e-scooter.
• E-scooter riders are also subject to the same drug driving offences as motor vehicle drivers. You cannot have illicit drugs present in your system or ride while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• If you are caught drink or drug riding, serious penalties apply and you may face consequences for your driver’s licence. Find out more on e-scooter offences that may apply.
• You do not need a driver’s licence to ride an e-scooter.
• Always wear brightly coloured clothing so other road users can see you easily.
• Please ride predictably and indicate clearly, so other people are aware of your intentions.
• Shared e-scooter scheme operators are required to have appropriate insurance cover for their devices. You may consider insurance for personal injury or property damage but this is not a trial requirement.

Tips for bicycle riders:

• When overtaking e-scooters on designated shared paths, please ensure it is safe to do so and leave enough space
• Keep an eye out for e-scooter riders when riding on shared paths.

Tips for pedestrians:

• Remember to always keep an eye out for e-scooter riders on designated shared paths
• E-scooter riders are not allowed to ride on the footpath.

For further general safety information visit https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/e-scooters/