Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for adults, thanks to their convenience, portability and affordability. Avoiding traffic jams by zipping around on two wheels has not only saved petrol, it’s also saved energy, particularly compared to cars. However, there’s one way they can’t compare to a car: speed, though this doesn’t make them any less efficient.
How fast can electric scooters go? There are two ways to look at it – the maximum speed of the scooter and the speed limit itself. In this article, I’ll delve into these details – including the maximum speed for various e-scooter models and types, the factors that affect e-scooter speed and more.
Fasten your helmets and let’s get started.
What factors affect an e-scooter’s speed?
Apart from the motor, three main factors can affect an electric scooter’s average speed: The rider’s weight, terrain types, and the electric scooter battery power.
1. The weight of the rider
An e-scooter’s speed can be directly impacted by the rider’s weight. Put simply, the more weight onboard, the more strain the battery and motor must contend with to propel the scooter forward.
Heavier riders may find achieving high speeds on a standard e-scooter challenging. To optimize the riding experience, heavier individuals should opt for models with a higher load capacity, a larger motor and battery, and high-quality suspension systems.
2. The terrain
The type of terrain you traverse can significantly influence your e-scooter’s speed. Off-road surfaces, such as dirt paths or hilly tracks, place added pressure on the front and rear tires, resulting in a reduction in speed.
If you want to enjoy faster speeds on rough terrain, you’ll have to invest a little more in an off-road e-scooter fitted with durable tires that can handle the challenges of uneven surfaces.
2. Battery charge and range
The power of your scooter’s battery plays a crucial role in maintaining higher speeds over an extended duration. As your battery’s charge depletes, so does the scooter’s performance. If you are buying a fast scooter, you should also look at the battery capacity. You might also consider shorter charging times.
What are the legal speed limits for e-scooters in Australia?
So, how fast an electric scooter can go in Australia? Speed governing in Australia depends on the region and each state has their own electric scooter law in place. Here are the current 2023 laws and regulations for e-scooters in each state, including speed and other factors:
New South Wales
In New South Wales, e-scooters are legal for rental scooters only. Speed limits vary depending on the path type: they are not allowed on footpaths and roads but are limited to 10 km/h on shared paths and 20 km/h in bike lanes. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and no license is required.
Prohibitions include a blood alcohol limit of 0.05 BAC or no drug use, no carrying of passengers, no mobile phone usage, and they cannot be carried on public transport. Scooter requirements include wearing a certified helmet, having a bell/horn, and proper lights.
Victoria
In Victoria, e-scooters can be ridden legally. Speed limits are set at 20 km/h on shared paths and bike lanes, and 20 km/h on roads with 60 km/h or less speed limits. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and no license is needed.
Prohibitions include no drug or alcohol use, no carrying passengers, no mobile phone usage, and no carrying on public transport. Scooter riders must wear a certified helmet, have a bell/horn, and proper lights.
Australian Capital Territory
In the Australian Capital Territory, riding e-scooters is fully legal. Speed limits differ based on the location, with a maximum of 15 km/h on footpaths, 25 km/h on shared paths, and no allowance for bike lanes or roads, except on residential or a city street without footpaths. The minimum age for riders is 12, and no license is required.
Prohibitions include no drug or alcohol use, no carrying passengers, no mobile phone usage, and consulting with the driver when carrying them on public transport. Scooter requirements entail wearing a certified helmet, having a bell/horn, and proper lights.
Queensland
In Queensland, e-scooters can be legally used. Speed limits range from 12 km/h on footpaths, 12 km/h on shared paths, 25 km/h in bike lanes, to 25 km/h on roads. Riders as young as 12 can use e-scooters under supervision, and those 16 and older can ride without supervision. No license is required.
Prohibitions include a 0.05 BAC limit or no drug use, no carrying passengers, no mobile phone usage, and consulting with the driver when carrying them on public transport. Scooter riders must wear a certified helmet, have a bell/horn, and proper lights.
South Australia
In South Australia, only rental e-scooters are legal. They are not allowed on roads or bike lanes, but can be used at a maximum speed of 15 km/h on footpaths and shared paths. Riders must be at least 18 years old, and no license is required.
Prohibitions include a 0.05 BAC limit or no drug use, no carrying passengers, no mobile phone usage, and they cannot be carried on public transport. Scooter riders must wear a certified helmet, have a bell/horn, and proper lights.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, e-scooter use is fully legal. Speed limits are set at 10 km/h on footpaths, 25 km/h on shared paths and bike lanes, and 25 km/h on local roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and no license is required.
Prohibitions include a 0.05 BAC limit or no drug use, no carrying passengers, no mobile phone usage, and no carrying on public transport. Scooter riders must wear a certified helmet, have a bell/horn, and proper lights.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, e-scooter use is fully legal. Speed limits are set at 15 km/h on footpaths, 25 km/h on shared paths, 25 km/h in bike lanes, and 25 km/h on roads. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and no license is required.
Prohibitions include no drug or alcohol use, no carrying passengers, no mobile phone usage, and consulting with the driver when carrying them on public transport. Scooter riders must wear a certified helmet, have a bell/horn, and proper lights.
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory, only rental e-scooters are legal. They are not allowed on roads but can be used at a maximum speed of 15 km/h on footpaths, 15 km/h on shared paths, and 15 km/h in bike lanes. Riders must be at least 18 years old, and no license is required.
Prohibitions include a 0.05 BAC limit or no drug use, no carrying passengers, no mobile phone usage, and they cannot be carried on public transport. Scooter riders must wear a certified helmet, have a bell/horn, and proper lights.
E-scooter speed differences
So, how fast do electric scooters go? The speed of electric scooters varies, and is influenced by two things – the motor and the battery. Let’s take a closer look at various e-scooter types, each catering to specific speed preferences:
Standard electric scooters
This includes electric kick scooters, folding electric scooters (essentially electric kick scooters with a convenient folding mechanism), and commuter scooters. On average, these e-scooters offer speeds ranging from 20 to 30km/hr, making them ideal for everyday urban commuting.
High-speed electric scooters
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, high-performance electric scooters take the lead. These zippy models can hit speeds between 40 and 60km/hr, delivering an exhilarating riding experience. Racing scooters push the boundaries even further, with the fastest racing electric scooters soaring beyond 100km/hr, designed for thrill-seekers who crave the ultimate speed rush. The fastest scooters on the market are a recommended scooter for adults only.
Offroad scooters
Offroad e-scooters are built to conquer rugged terrain while maintaining stability. They typically offer speeds ranging from 30 to 50km/hr, ensuring a controlled and exciting offroad adventure.
E-scooter motor power output and speed
Motor power plays a crucial role in determining the top speeds of your e-scooter. The more power the motor has, the higher the speed. Aside from the motor, the level of acceleration can also impact speed. For example, e-scooters with dual motors will have faster top speed and larger acceleration.
Other features like a regen brake or hydraulic brake system ensure efficient braking and safety, even when tackling a hill climb. A thumb throttle, quality disc brakes and brake light further enhance the riding experience for some of the fastest electric scooters in the world.
Examples of e-scooter speeds in Australia
Here are some of the most popular electric scooters in Australia, and their top speeds:
Apollo Scooters
- The Apollo Air 2023: 35km/hr.
- The Apollo City: 52km/hr.
- The Apollo Ghost: 58km/hr.
- The Apollo Phantom: 61km/hr while riding in ludo mode.
- The Apollo Pro: 70km/hr top speed, their highest top speed.
Dualtron
- The Dualtron Thunder 2 electric scooter: 100km/hr top speed.
- The Daultron Eagle: 75km/hr.
- The Dualtron Storm Limited: The Dualtron Storm’s top speed is 120km/hr, making it one of the fastest electric scooter designs available.
Kaabo
- The Kaabo King GT E-scooter: 98.1km/hr.
- The Kaabo Wolf King GT Pro: 99km/hr.
- The Kaabo Wolf Warrior GT Pro: 99km/hr.
- The Kaabo Mantis V2 scooter: 60km/hr.
Segway
- The Segway Ninebot Max Scooter G30LP is great for commuting and has a top speed of 30km/hr, while the Segway Ninebot F40A reaches 25km/hr.
Other brands
- The Xiaomi M365 has a top speed of 25km/hr, but it can vary based on ride weight and battery life.
- The Nami Burn-e 2 e-scooter has a top speed of 80km/hr.
What are the speed safety considerations?
When e-scooter riding, it’s imperative that you priortize safety. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Follow the speed limit: On public roads and designated paths, the maximum speed for e-scooters is typically capped at 25km/hr. It’s crucial to respect these limits to ensure the safety of both yourself and others on the road.
Choose the right helmet: Make sure the helmet you choose meets necessary safety standards. For example, in Queensland, you must wear an Australian Standard (AS) approved bicycle helmet or an approved motorbike helmet that complies with AS 2063 or AS/NZS 2063. It must be a secure fit and must be fastened when wearing it.
Don’t drink and ride: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a recipe for disaster – it delays your response time and impairs your alertness and vehicle control. It’s also illegal in some states, with fines reaching hundreds of dollars.
Braking maintenance: Regularly maintaining the braking system of your e-scooter is fundamental for keeping safe. If your brakes don’t work, you won’t be able to slow down efficiently, or stop quickly, especially in emergency situations.
Road conditions and weather: Extreme weather conditions, such as torrential rain or icy roads, can make riding treacherous. If you’re facing extreme weather, take it easy on the road or consider postponing your ride.
Speeding penalties for e-scooters
As mentioned, each state has a set of laws for the speed allowed by e-scooter riders. Exceeding these limits may result in fines, and the exact amount will vary depending on the severity of the violation. In Queensland, for example, police can issue on the spot fines of more than $500 for anyone speeding on e-scooters, e-skateboards, and similar devices. The current value of a penalty unit in Victoria is $192.31.
Remember, a speeding fine may not be your biggest problem if you recklessly ride too fast. If you directly cause an accident that results in severe injury, you can face prison time (the amount depends on the territory).
Summing up
When choosing an electric scooter for adults, speed enthusiasts might prefer a super fast, high performance scooter, such as the Kaabo Wolf Kings or Daultron range. Or, if you’re riding an electric scooter casually, the max speed might not be as important as safety features. Either way, it’s essential to remember that various scooter features and pay attention to the technical specifications, including weight limit, terrain type, battery size, and range, all play a role in determining the top speed.
It’s also crucial to pay attention to the safety features of each scooter on the market to ensure the model you choose suits your requirements and local regulations.
