Where Can You Ride Hoverboards and E-Scooters in Australia? State-by-State Laws (2026)
Short answer: hoverboards are legal to ride in public in Western Australia and Tasmania for riders 16 and over. In NSW and Victoria, hoverboards are private-property only. In Queensland, South Australia, the ACT and the NT, the rules don't name two-wheeled hoverboards clearly, so treat them as private-property only unless your local transport authority confirms otherwise. E-scooters are legal in public everywhere except NSW, with different speed and age rules in each state.
Updated October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change often — follow the official links below before you ride.
Quick comparison: hoverboards and e-scooters by state
| State | Hoverboards in public | Private e-scooters in public | Minimum age | Footpath limit | Path / road limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | No | No — shared-scheme trials only | — | — | — |
| VIC | No | Yes | 16 | Footpaths banned | 20km/h |
| QLD | Not clearly covered | Yes, with a licence | 16 + learner licence | 12km/h | 25km/h |
| WA | Yes | Yes | 16 | 10km/h | 25km/h |
| SA | Not clearly covered | Yes | 16 | 10km/h | 25km/h |
| TAS | Yes | Yes | 16 | 15km/h | 25km/h |
| ACT | Not clearly covered | Yes | Under 12s supervised | 15km/h | 25km/h |
| NT | Not clearly covered | Only devices up to 200W and 10km/h | — | 10km/h | 10km/h |
A helmet is compulsory for public riding in every state and territory that allows it.
New South Wales
Privately owned e-scooters are still illegal on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths and bike lanes. Shared e-scooters can only be used inside approved trial areas. Hoverboards aren't permitted in public either, so ride on private property only. Transport for NSW
Victoria
Compliant e-scooters are legal across Victoria for riders 16 and over. You must ride at 20km/h or less, stay off footpaths, and only use roads with limits of 60km/h or less, plus bike and shared paths. The scooter must have two wheels in line and weigh 45kg or less. Hoverboards don't meet this definition, so they're private-property only. Transport Victoria
Queensland
Queensland tightened its rules in 2026. Since 31 August you must be 16 and hold at least a learner licence to ride a personal mobility device in public. Devices must not exceed 25km/h, and you're limited to 12km/h on footpaths. Queensland's definition lists e-scooters, e-skateboards and self-balancing one-wheeled devices; two-wheeled hoverboards aren't named, so check with the Department of Transport and Main Roads before riding one in public. Read our full Queensland e-scooter laws guide. Queensland Government
Western Australia
WA's "eRideables" rules cover e-scooters, e-skateboards, hoverboards and e-unicycles. Riders must be 16+. The limits are 10km/h on footpaths and 25km/h on shared paths, bike paths and roads signed 50km/h or less. eRideables must weigh 25kg or less. WA Road Safety Commission
South Australia
Private e-scooters have been legal on SA roads since July 2025 for riders 16+, with no licence or registration needed. The limits are 10km/h on footpaths and shared paths and 25km/h on roads and bike paths. E-skateboards and one-wheels may use roads with limits of 50km/h or less. The state opened a review of its e-scooter laws in June 2026, so watch for changes. Legal Services Commission SA
Tasmania
Tasmania explicitly covers e-scooters, e-skateboards, self-balancing hoverboards and one-wheels as personal mobility devices. Riders must be 16+ (under-16s can use low-powered scooters up to 200W and 10km/h). The limits are 15km/h on footpaths and 25km/h on shared paths, bike paths and local roads of 50km/h or less. Devices must weigh under 45kg. Transport Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
E-scooters can be ridden on footpaths (15km/h), shared and bike paths (25km/h), and on roads only where there's no practical path. Children under 12 must be supervised. Devices must weigh 60kg or less. ACT City Services
Northern Territory
Only motorised scooters of 200W or less with a 10km/h top speed are allowed in public. The NT Government notes that most retail e-scooters exceed these limits. NT Government
Riding on private property
Road rules apply to roads and road-related areas such as footpaths and paths. On private land — your backyard, a farm, or a venue that allows it — you need the owner's permission. Helmets and protective gear are still a smart idea at any speed.
Choosing the right ride for your state
- Riding in public (outside NSW): choose a scooter with a 25km/h top speed, such as the ESA Pro ($439), Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 ($649) or V-10 Folding ($999). In Victoria, ride at 20km/h or less.
- Backyard and private-property fun: hoverboards like the Gyroor Minions G13 off-road hoverboard ($378) or the Australia Hoverboards 8" (from $318), or a kids' electric quad bike. Compare them in our hoverboard buying guide.
- Always: a properly fitted helmet.
FAQ
Are hoverboards legal in NSW?
No. Hoverboards and private e-scooters can't be ridden on NSW roads or paths. Use them on private property only.
Are hoverboards legal in Victoria?
No. Victoria's rules only allow compliant e-scooters with two in-line wheels, so hoverboards are private-property only.
Are hoverboards legal in Australia at all?
Yes, in WA and Tasmania for riders 16+, within speed limits. Everywhere else, assume private property only unless your state authority confirms otherwise.
Can I use a Segway in public?
Self-balancing devices follow the same state rules as hoverboards. Check your state's personal mobility device definition before riding in public.