Electric Scooter Laws In NZ – Stay Updated

Yes, electric scooters are legal in New Zealand, and they’re here to stay. 

The last year or so has been a whirlwind for e-scooter enthusiasts and the rules can seem fuzzy. We advise you to get familiar with the context around the law changes – we’ll help keep you stay informed.

At Storm Rides, we’re directly liaising with regulators to help ensure developing laws make sense for everyone. We’ll keep updating this article with the latest updates to electric scooter laws in NZ.

July 2024: NZTA Waka Kotahi extends legal exemption of e-scooters until 2028

As of July 2024, NZTA Waka Kotahi has extended the exemption of electric scooters as non-powered motor vehicles for another five years.

Until it’s renewed again in 2028, e-scooters fall under the rules for non-powered vehicles if they have a maximum power of 300W and wheels of less than 355mm.

This means you can ride your scooter:

• On public footpaths and roads (not cycle lanes)
• Without a license
• Helmet not required (but we and NZTA strongly recommend you wear a helmet)

The power limit mentioned is highly impractical and impossible to enforce. Most scooters in NZ (including Lime scooters!) exceed 300w.

Journalists might (frustratingly) say that over-300w e-scooters are illegal – that’s not the case. They're unregulated and tolerated in a legal grey area.

What’s On The Horizon?

We think it’s awesome that NZTA/Waka Kotahi is acknowledging e-scooters' role in the transport system:

“E-scooters have made, and continue to make, a useful contribution to the land transport system. Their use is increasing across New Zealand, they are increasingly used for transport rather than just for recreation, user satisfaction is generally high, and they have emissions reductions benefits,” – Chris Rodley, NZTA/Waka Kotahi

Over the next few years, they plan to explore further safety measures over the next five years, including:

• Lower speed limits in high pedestrian areas
• Mandatory helmet use
• Regulating intoxicated driving
• Clear speed limits

We’ll continue to work with regulators to help ensure updated laws are more informed and practical while keeping everyone safe.

What About High-Powered E-Scooters?

Don’t worry. It's highly unlikely that e-scooters over 300w will be banned outright. Instead, the focus is on safe and responsible use. Future restrictions on high-voltage imports might exist, but for now, the focus will be on behaviour-based enforcement.

We recommend referring to the Code for Cycling as a good catch-all document for riding sensibly and safely.

E-Scooters Are Here To Stay

E-scooters are an affordable, green commute choice for all ages and stages. Storm Rides is proud to stock the best e-scooter brands on the market, helping Kiwis find the perfect ride, whether a portable commuter or a high-performance off-roader.

Get in touch with us via webchat (this is the best way to contact us and is manned by the showroom staff so a human will get back to you). If you have any questions – we’re here to help.

DISCLAIMER

No information provided by Storm Rides in any format is to be considered official advice or recommendation. You’re responsible for ensuring you understand and adhere to the laws in the jurisdiction where the product is operated.