WA Government Updates Road Rules for E-Scooters and Other Electric Rideable Devices

E-Scooter Riders Must Now Signal Turns

As of May 13, 2026, Western Australia has updated its road rules to explicitly include electric rideable devices like e-scooters. These changes impact how riders navigate roads and shared paths.

What happened

The WA Government published the "Road Traffic Code Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2026" to amend the Road Traffic Code 2000. These amendments directly address the use of electric rideable devices, clarifying existing rules and introducing new ones. Key areas of focus include how riders signal turns, navigate roundabouts, and adhere to specific speed limits. This update aims to integrate these devices safely into the existing traffic environment. The regulations were made under the Road Traffic Act 1974.

What this means for you

If you ride an e-scooter or other electric rideable device in WA, you now have specific rules to follow regarding signaling, roundabout usage, and speed. For example, you must now use hand signals to indicate turns if your device doesn't have indicators. Understanding these updated regulations is crucial, as failure to comply could result in fines or other penalties. These measures will particularly affect commuters and recreational users who rely on these devices for transportation.

What this means for WA

This update signals a formal recognition of electric rideable devices as a legitimate mode of transport within WA. By integrating these devices into the Road Traffic Code, the Cook Labor Government, led by Premier Roger Cook, is attempting to balance innovation with public safety. This move could pave the way for further regulation and infrastructure development tailored to electric rideable devices, potentially influencing transport policy across the state. This also demonstrates the 42nd Parliament of Western Australia's commitment to adapting existing laws to modern transportation trends.

The numbers

• The "Road Traffic Code Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2026" were published on May 13, 2026.
• The regulations amend the Road Traffic Code 2000, building on the Road Traffic Act 1974.
• The Treasurer's Advance Authorisation Act 2026 (Act No: 003 of 2026) authorized the Treasurer to exceed spending limits by up to $1,200,000,000, demonstrating the scale of financial operations within the government. While not directly related to the road rule changes, it shows the financial context within which these regulations are implemented.
• The Commerce Regulations Amendment (Electricity) Regulations 2026, also published on May 13, shows a broad focus on updating regulations across different sectors beyond just transportation.

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