Collection: Electric Scooters In Canberra

Zoom through Australia’s capital city aboard your own electric scooter and add a touch of excitement to your daily commutes.

Canberra, Australia’s capital city and the seat of the national government, is located at the northern tip of the Australian Capital Territory. It is the country’s largest inland city and is home to a population of over 456,000 people. Interestingly, it’s also the only capital city in the world that is not located by a river or coast.

Within the city, you will find important federal institutions and government headquarters like the Parliament House and the High Court. A cultural and historical hub, Canberra is also the location of the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, and the Australian War Memorial.

But beyond these iconic landmarks, there is a lot more to Canberra that can captivate your adventure-seeking spirit. Lake Burley Griffin, a large manmade lake, serves not only as the city’s centrepiece but also as a popular spot for activities like swimming, fishing, and boating.

If you want to connect with nature, head on to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and observe Australian wildlife like kangaroos, wombats, and wallabies, or go hiking at Mount Ainslie for a majestic bird’s eye view of the city.

Canberra is one of the best cities in Australia to live in and visit, showcasing high tertiary education levels, high average income, and low unemployment rates among its residents. The Commonwealth Government remains to be the largest employer in the city, but there are also other employment opportunities in industries like health care, education, retail, professional services, and more. 

The mighty Canberra is also named the most sustainable city in the world, a recognition bestowed because of the city’s air quality, energy sources, use of green spaces and transport infrastructure, and overall livability. 

That said, it is no wonder that a lot of Canberrans have also embraced the benefits of electric scooters.

Australia’s federal capital is a well-planned city with modern infrastructure in place. As a result, getting around Canberra is quite straightforward, with every destination only a 30-minute commute away. 

When it comes to transportation, there are a variety of options available for everyone, from uni students to government workers. Whether you’re an individual taking public transport (bus, train, or light rail) or driving your own car with your family, you’ll find that getting around Canberra is easy and convenient.

Living up to its reputation of being a sustainable city, Canberra also welcomes alternative modes of transportation like cycling and scootering.

This relatively small city is also known as the cycling capital of Australia, and for good reason. With almost 94,000 regular cyclists in 2019, Canberra’s strong network of cycle paths and off-road mountain bike trails comfortably accommodates active forms of transport.

Similarly, electric scooter riders can also take advantage of this infrastructure to use their own rides. 

After a six-month review of shared e-scooter trials in 2021, the use of electric scooters in Canberra is now fully legal. 

The Transport Canberra and City Services have recognised the benefits of e-scooters, which have been shown to be a healthy and practical way to get around the city. 

But to safely and legally use your escooter in Canberra, it should qualify as a personal mobility device, which means it must:

• Be designed for one person only
• Have a unit weight of not more than 60 kg
• Have dimensions not exceeding 1250 mm in length, 700 mm in width, and 1350 mm in height
• Not be capable of travelling faster than 25 kph

Personal mobility devices are permitted on footpaths, shared paths, and bicycle paths, but they can only be used on roads under very specific circumstances. They are also allowed on private property.

Learn more about the conditions of using electric scooters in Canberra here.

For those who don’t own electric scooters, Beam Mobility and Neuron Mobility are both operating shared e-scooter schemes in Canberra.

Hiring an electric scooter is a convenient option for short trips, quick errands, or getting to a single destination. In Canberra, hired electric scooters should not be parked where they might obstruct other riders, cyclists, or pedestrians. They should also be left in a tidy and safe manner as a courtesy for the next user.

But despite the convenience of hiring an electric scooter, it is not the best fit for regular commuters. Due to their limitations in speed and range, a rental unit is not the most efficient ride, especially if you need to get to multiple destinations in a single day.

Learn more about hiring an e scooter in Canberra here.

Canberra enjoys a temperate climate with four seasons: warm, dry summers; cool, wet winters; pleasantly sunny springs; and chilly yet sunlit autumns. 

Because the landlocked city lies at the foot of the Australian Alps, it receives considerably less rainfall than coastal cities, but it still experiences a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, especially during winter, so it is best to be prepared for sudden drizzles.

To protect your rides against rain, we recommend getting an electric scooter with a high water-resistance rating. A water-resistant electric scooter is also protected from splashes, making it an ideal choice if you frequently ride along lakes, rivers, and ponds. 

Canberra is a haven for commuters as well as beginner riders, as much of the city is located on a flat plain. Along with smooth and well-maintained paths, there are plenty of open green spaces like parks and campgrounds where you can hang out and ride. 

For those who seek more challenge and adventure, head towards the city’s suburbs where you can find rolling hills and bushlands. Choose between the suburbs of Red Hill, Kambah, Gordon, and Campbell to experience a variety of trails and enjoy a stunning view of the city.

If you are new to the city or are making the most out of your visit, here’s a list of some of the best places to ride in Canberra:

• Lake Burley Griffin
• Around the Parliamentary Triangle
• Kingston Foreshore
• Stromlo Forest Park
• National Arboretum, Australian National Botanic Gardens
• Belconnen Skate Park
• Lake Ginninderra
• Cooleman Mountain Camping Area
• Anzac Parade Memorials
• Honeysuckle Campground
• Molonglo River Trail
• Tuggeranong Parkway

Canberra may not be as bustling as other Australian metropolises, but it has so much to offer. And you can experience it all from the comfort of your very own electric ride.

It is fun to ride around Canberra, but remember to comply with the city’s rules and regulations:

• You must wear an approved electric scooter helmet.
• You must not operate an electric scooter under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• You must not use a mobile phone while riding. 
• Your scooter must come with a warning device like a bell or a horn.
• Your scooter must be equipped with bright lights and reflectors.
• You must not carry a passenger.
• You must not let children under 12 use a personal mobility device without adult supervision. 
• You must give way to other pedestrians and keep to the left.

To safely and legally ride around the city, be sure to stay updated about Canberra’s e-scooter rules.