A Caulfield North man has found himself facing court and a hefty impound bill after police caught him riding an illegal high-powered e-scooter through Mt Eliza on Wednesday night.
Somerville Highway Patrol intercepted the 33-year-old on the Nepean Highway after clocking his speed at 50km/h — double the legal limit for e-scooters on public roads in Victoria.
The man told police he was using the e-scooter to save money, as his car was currently unregistered. However, officers quickly identified that the scooter was powered by an 8400-watt motor and advertised as capable of reaching speeds of up to 90km/h, fell well outside the legal definition of a permitted e-scooter.
“Anything motorised and capable of doing over 25km/h using its electric motor alone is classified as a motorcycle,” police explained.
As such, it must meet registration, licensing, roadworthy, and drink/drug driving requirements.
The rider did not hold a motorcycle licence and was found to be using an unregistered and unroadworthy vehicle. The e-scooter was immediately impounded for 30 days, with a release fee of $1304.75.
He will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date on multiple charges, including unlicensed driving, operating an unregistered vehicle, and using an unroadworthy motor vehicle.
Victoria Police have warned that high-powered scooters pose significant risks not only to riders but also to other road users and pedestrians.
“Before you buy an e-scooter or e-bike, make sure you understand the laws,” a spokesperson said.
More information on legal requirements can be found here:
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The scooter should have been wrapped around the riders head and then crushed.