Collection: Electric Scooters in Cairns

Discover the stunning natural wonders of this tropical paradise. A place where turquoise waters and lush greeneries meet, Cairns has a warm and inviting atmosphere that hosts a unique set of experiences found nowhere else.

Located in the heart of Far North Queensland, Cairns is a laidback city that is best known for being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to an abundance of marine life, from turtles and sharks to various species of shellfish and coral. 

You can also explore diverse flora in Cairns Botanic Gardens, interact with wildlife in the Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, or enjoy a quiet walk along the Cairns Esplanade.

For the more adventurous, we suggest going for a hike through the rainforest of Mossman Gorge or going snorkelling in the pristine waters of Fitzroy Island. 

With a population of over 169,000, this gorgeous city is the 15th most populous in Australia, and in 2021, it was recognised as the country’s top destination for tourists of all categories. If you haven’t been to Cairns yet, you're in for an unforgettable treat. 

Escape the hustle and bustle of the big metropolis and explore this premium e-scooter territory on your own two-wheeled ride. 

While Cairns is a delightful city to explore, its residents and visitors unfortunately suffer from limited transportation options.

Right now, the only public transport available in the city is the public bus service. While the bus runs daily, residents complain of the outdated system characterised by delays and cancellations, limited routes and availability, and long wait times between buses. 

On the other hand, getting around the city by taxi comes with a hefty price tag, as taxi fares in Cairns can be quite expensive.

You might think that driving a car is the best way to navigate Cairns, but the city’s infrastructure is not as advanced as bigger Australian cities like Sydney. Furthermore, the city regularly experiences traffic congestion during peak times. 

Cairns will ultimately benefit from a wider bus network, perhaps a light rail system, and better road infrastructure. Until then, the best way to get around the city is through alternative modes of transportation like carpooling, bicycling, and using an electric scooter.

Just like Brisbane and other cities in Queensland, Cairns boasts a set of electric scooter laws that is more relaxed and tolerant than other Australian cities. This makes the city a prime destination for riders and fervent e-scooter enthusiasts from all over the country. 

In Cairns, riders are allowed to ride their personal electric scooters on most footpaths, shared paths, bike paths and bike lanes, and local streets. But to be considered legal, your e-scooter should fit the following dimensions:

• 1250mm in length by 700mm in width by 1350mm in height or
• 700mm in length by 1250mm in width by 1350mm in height
• A maximum unit weight of 60 kg
• Equipped with efficient brakes, a bell or horn, and front and rear lights
• Does not have any sharp protrusions

Riders also need to abide by specific rules and regulations, which will be discussed below.

Despite its liberal stance on the use of electric scooters, the Cairns Regional Council has repeatedly rejected the applications of shared e-scooter companies, citing safety concerns about how e-scooter trials would breach the city’s footpath safety policy. 

Yet, despite opposition from the council, micromobility company Beam has teamed up with businesses in the city to provide rental electric scooters—effectively bypassing the restrictions because the scooters are placed on private land. 

That said, rental electric scooters are technically available in Cairns, but they are not fully legal. Due to this reason, not to mention the inherent limitations on speed and range, they are not in the position to replace efficient commuter electric scooters. In other words, it is not advisable to rely on rental units as your primary mode of transportation in the city. 

Instead, take advantage of the legal status of privately-owned electric scooters in Cairns and explore this top tourist destination on your own terms.

Cairns is a tropical oasis with months that are categorised into two seasons: a dry season with occasional light showers and a wet season that is prone to heavy monsoon rains.

Its weather is consistently warm no matter the season, which is perfect for outdoor activities or simply basking in the sun. If you are planning to visit the city, be sure to pack sunscreen and light clothing. 

However, its tropical climate means that humidity is high all year round, which can sometimes lead to sudden changes in the weather. So even if the day starts out sunny, it’s best to be prepared for possible rain showers in the afternoon. 

While the weather in Cairns is pleasant and perfect for riding, it is essential to choose a water-resistant electric scooter that can handle unforeseen rain. 

In addition to choosing an e-scooter with a good water resistance rating (at least IPX4), keep your ride safe from drizzles and downpour with highly-efficient brakes and durable tyres that retains strong traction even on wet ground.

If Cairns lacks in vehicular infrastructure, it makes up for having a wide network of bicycle tracks. Found all over the city, these tracks are designed to link up all beaches, creating a strategic and enjoyable way to ride while sightseeing.

With its diverse terrain, there is a lot awaiting electric scooter enthusiasts in this provincial city. Surrounded by bodies of water like the Coral Sea, Trinity Bay, and Cairns Estuary, there are plenty of opportunities for riding on waterfront walkways while taking in the view of the shimmering ocean. 

More adventurous riders can go off the road to experience the great outdoors, using an all-terrain electric scooter to handle the demanding topography of the Wooroonooran National Park and the Barron Gorge National Park. 

If you prefer a balance between challenging and leisurely rides, take your scooter to one of the city’s gently rolling hills like Mt. St. Patrick, Esplanade Park, and the hiking trails of the Atherton Tablelands.

Then again, even novice riders can have fun riding in the city, as a good part of the suburbs are located on mostly flat floodplains.

If you’re looking to tour the city on your electric scooter, we recommend following a route that includes these places:

• Palm Cove and Trinity Beach
• Barron Gorge
• Crystal Cascades
• Copperlode Dam
• The Bump Track, Port Douglas
• Davies Creek Trail Network, Mareeba

Our list is by no means exhaustive, as there are still many more experiences to be had in Cairns. Thankfully, with your own electric scooter, you have the freedom to go anywhere to embrace this paradise’s unique cultural and natural wonders.

As aforementioned, riding e scooters in Cairns is completely legal, but riders need to be aware of the city’s safety requirements.

To legally ride an e scooter in Cairns, riders must:

• Be at least 16 years old (or 12 years old with adult supervision)
• Wear an Australian Standard (AS) approved bicycle or e-scooter helmet
• Not actively use a phone while operating an electric scooter
• Avoid riding through areas with a 'personal mobility devices prohibited' sign
• Not carry a passenger while riding
• Not block paths, ride too close to vehicles, or be a traffic hazard
• Observe traffic laws and give way to pedestrians

Cairns implements a speed limit of 25 kph for electric scooters. Don’t worry; if you own a high-speed electric scooter, you can still ride it in your backyard or on private property.

Check out the state’s website to learn more about the rules for riding personal mobility devices in Cairns.