RACV issues e-scooter & e-bike warning as Victorian kids head back to school

RACV is urging parents to check e-scooter and e-bike laws as more than a million Victorian students return to school this week.

RACV Head of Policy James Williams said although children may have received these as Christmas gifts, some parents may not understand the legal restrictions or safety risks.

"Electric bikes and electric scooters are not toys. E-scooters are actually illegal for children under 16 to use on Victorian roads and footpaths and they are very dangerous for both riders and pedestrians given they can travel at speeds of up to 25km/h," Mr Williams said.

RACV is currently funding Victoria-wide research into e-scooter injuries to better understand crash causation and risk factors, with research anticipated to be published by late 2026.

Information will be collected from six sites across Victoria including the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Ambulance Victoria, the Alfred Hospital, the Royal Children's Hospital, Grampians Health Ballarat and St Vincent's Hospital and is intended to develop a detailed understanding of the epidemiological factors of e-scooter riders and the influence of these factors on e-scooter injuries.

"This research will help us determine if there are predictive factors that can be eliminated or reduced to make e-scooters safer for riders, pedestrians and other road users," Mr Williams said.

The return to school also serves as an important reminder for all road users to be alert around school zones as children walk, ride and travel to school.

According to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), around nine children aged 0-15 are killed and close to 200 are injured each year on Victorian roads.

"School zones are crucial areas where road safety must always be top of mind. Children are at risk around roads because they are less visible and have a reduced ability to judge time, speed and distance," Mr Williams said.

RACV school zone safety reminders for drivers during school pick-up and drop-offs:

• Stay alert: Be patient and exercise caution when driving through school zones.
• Observe speed limits: School speed zones are usually 40km/h (or 60km/h where regular limits are 80km/h or more).
• Use crossings: Stop for pedestrians at children's crossings when orange flags are displayed and ensure your children use all available crossings.
• Reduce distractions: Keep mobile devices out of reach while driving.
• Consider parking away: Park a few blocks away to reduce congestion and encourage active travel.
• Turn off engines: Don't idle while waiting, as engine fumes can be detrimental to children's health.

Mr Williams said families using e-bikes for school commutes should also ensure they're prepared for breakdowns or emergencies.

"Some parents and older children may choose to commute using e-bikes but it’s important to have backup support if choosing active transport options for your family.”

“RACV's Bike Assist service can be used for electric bikes, providing help when you need it most – whether it's a flat tyre on the way to school or a mechanical issue.”

E-scooter laws in Victoria

You can legally ride an e-scooter in Victoria if you:

• Are at least 16 years old
• Ride on shared-use paths (not on footpaths), or roads that have a speed limit up to 60km/h
• Wear a helmet
• Do not travel more than 20km/h
• Do not use a hand-held mobile phone
• Do not carry a passenger or animal
• Do not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

E-bike laws in Victoria

A legal e-bike has a maximum continuous rated power output of no more than 250 watts, motor assistance that cuts off after reaching 25km/h and functioning pedals.

Any electric bike that exceeds the legal power output (over 250 watts) or where the motor continues once the speed reaches 25 km/h, is classified as a motor vehicle. You could be fined for:

• driving an unregistered motor vehicle, and
• driving without a valid licence.

Head to the Victoria Police website for more information on e-scooters and e-bikes.