Local police are warning members of the public that the use of e-scooters on public roads and paths is illegal.
Sergeant Brad Hall of the Goldfields Highway Patrol said police wanted to educate rather than penalise people.
“The people using them don’t really understand that they’re actually breaking the law,” Sgt Hall said.
“The scooters can be used on private land but that’s it.
“There’s a government funded trial under way in four Local Government Areas, the closest of which is Ballarat, which sees the supply and use of certain e-scooters to be used legally under controlled conditions, but their use elsewhere is illegal.”
Sgt Hall said that in a legal definition these e-scooters were considered to be motorbikes and all relevant penalties applied.
“Because they’re considered like motor vehicles, penalties for drug and drink driving also apply,” he said.
