Riding Rules, Australian Capital Territory

Last updated 20 September 2023

Neuron sets localised Riding Rules to protect the safety of our Users and the general public.  It is important to familiarise yourself with these Rules every time you ride. Failure to comply with these Riding Rules can result in a suspension or termination of your account. 

These Riding Rules apply to your access and use of our electric motorised standing kick scooters and power assisted bicycles (each a “vehicle” and collectively the “vehicles”).

You must always abide by all applicable road rules, parking requirements, service period restrictions, and any other relevant laws, regulations or restrictions imposed by relevant authorities or by Neuron.

1. RESPONSIBLE RIDING

1.1 To ride our vehicles you must:

1.1.1 be at least 16 years of age and, if under 18 or the age of majority in your State or Territory, have the consent of a parent or legal guardian;

1.1.2 be in good health and not have any existing physical, mental, medical or other condition that may impair your ability to safely operate the vehicles;

1.1.3 not be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, drugs, medication, or any other substance that may impair your ability to operate the vehicle safely; 

1.1.4 be the only rider (never allow someone else to ride your vehicle);

1.1.5 not carry passengers, including adults, children, infants (in baby carriers or otherwise), animals including pets and service animals etc.;

1.1.6 keep under the weight limit of 120kg for bicycle use and 140kg for scooter use (total weight, i.e. rider and cargo);

1.1.7 not be carrying items weighing more than 10kg in total and/or items that may impede your ability to safely operate the vehicle, including but not limited to bulky, oversized or imbalanced items;

1.1.8 not use any phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, music player, or mobile electronic device, headphones, earphones or any device  that might distract you while riding;

1.1.9 not ride in adverse weather conditions, including but not limited to heavy rain, lightning storms, monsoons, windy conditions, typhoons, hurricanes, cyclones, tropical storms, flooding, storm surges, haze, fog, smog, dust storms, reduced visibility conditions, hail, heavy snow, and icy conditions;

1.1.10 not use the vehicle for racing, tricks, stunts, or in any other manner other than for personal transport; 

1.1.11 do not ride in a dangerous or reckless manner, stay vigilant, keep a lookout for hazards and other road or path users, and do not cause a nuisance, distraction or inconvenience to other road or path users; and

1.1.12 ride in a safe and respectful manner, keep a safe distance, be considerate of other road or path users, specifically pedestrians and ride at a speed that does not put yourself or others at risk.

2. STARTING AND ENDING A TRIP

2.1 Before starting a trip:

2.1.1 inspect the vehicle for defects;

2.1.2 test the brakes, (both mechanical and electric), lights, horn, throttle, pedals and chain (for bicycle) are in working order;

2.1.3 wear a helmet (whether provided by Neuron or otherwise) and other personal protective equipment as necessary and as mandated in your jurisdiction; 

2.1.4 ensure that you can adopt a safe and comfortable riding position on the vehicle (e.g. always have both hands on the handlebars to ensure proper control of the vehicle and always stand facing forward, not in any other positions); and

Do not use the vehicle if it does not pass the above tests, or is otherwise unsuitable for operation.

2.2 When ending a trip:

2.2.1 return the vehicle in the same condition as when you started the trip, normal wear and tear permitting;

2.2.2 deploy the kickstand and park in an upright position on steady ground; and

2.2.3 If you used a helmet provided by Neuron for the trip:

(a) for a vehicle equipped with a helmet lock, return the helmet to the locking mechanism fitted to the vehicle and make sure it is locked securely (if this is not done you may be charged a replacement fee when you end your trip, as further set out in the Neuron Terms of Service); or

(b) for a vehicle not equipped with an operational helmet lock, clip the helmet to the vehicle’s handlebars using the helmet strap and notify Neuron of the faulty locking mechanism.

2.3 When parking:

2.3.1 park only in the designated parking areas indicated in the Neuron app;

2.3.2 park the vehicle upright in a safe and responsible way, having regard for other path users;

2.3.3 park kerbside away from the building line in alignment with any existing street furniture, on wide footpaths and low pedestrian locations where possible;

2.3.4 do not park the vehicle:

(a) on roads or related areas;

(b) across tactile marks on pavement (for visually impaired people);

(c) within 10m of the hold-line at any road intersection, roundabout, traffic island median strip and pedestrian crossings;

(d) within 5 m of a bus stop shelter (except where designated), marker post, steps, ramps, public toilets or business access points, or any other place where it could interfere with pedestrian access generally or access to public amenities;

(e) within bus interchanges (except where designated) or where light rail operations take place;

(f) within 1.5m or any building line or wall that is within a public place;

(g) closer than 1.5m from the road kerb unless its is within a designated parking bay;

(h) in a public thoroughfare unless there is 2m clearance to allow people to move through the space;

(i) leaning up against significant Commonwealth assets located within the Central National Area, such as buildings, memorials, sculptures, fountains, poles, street furniture and trees or left along ANZAC Parade;

(j) in contravention of street signs and line markings or where doing so would be in breach of applicable traffic rules, and any other relevant laws and regulations;

(k) where it may pose a safety hazard or cause an obstruction, including in common corridors, doorways, entrances, emergency exits, stairwells, or other thoroughfares; 

(l) within restricted access private areas which will prevent other users from accessing the scooter (e.g. within a condominium compound, within a commercial property, within a school compound, inside a residential property); or

(m) do not park the vehicle where doing so would be in breach of applicable traffic rules, and any other relevant laws and regulations (federal, state, local or otherwise).

3. DURING A TRIP

3.1 While riding in the Australian Capital Territory:

3.1.1 you must:

(a) only ride on footpaths, bicycle paths, and the bicycle side of separated paths and shared paths;

(b) always give way to pedestrians and drivers of personal mobility devices (such as wheelchairs); and

(c) keep left of oncoming bicycles and other personal mobility devices.

3.1.2 you may:

(a) ride up to 10km/h on a children’s crossing, marked foot crossing or pedestrian crossing; 

(b) ride up to 15km/h on footpaths; 

(c) ride up to 25km/h on shared paths, separated paths and bicycle paths; and 

(d) stay on your scooter to cross a road on a children’s crossing, marked foot crossing and pedestrian crossing.

3.1.3 you must not:

(a) ride on roads (including the shoulder) or on-road bicycle lanes unless

(i) there is no footpath, shared path or nature strip next to the road or on-road bicycle path; or

(ii) the footpath, shared path or nature strip is obstructed or impassable;

(b) ride abreast with another scooter; and

(c) ride in any area where scooters (or personal mobility devices) are prohibited.

3.1.4 when at a crossing or intersection, slow down, be prepared to stop and look for on-coming traffic or pedestrians before proceeding; 

3.1.5 stick to paved surfaces at all times—do not go on grass, broken ground or other soft surfaces;

3.1.6 stay off all controlled-access roadways or expressways, freeways, motorways or highways;

3.1.7 ensure that you have adequate visibility at all times, can be seen by fellow road users, and use the on-board lights when necessary; and

3.1.8 stop riding immediately if the scooter malfunctions, the battery level is low, or the scooter cannot be ridden safely.

4. WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT

4.1 If any third parties are involved, then you must NOT RIDE AWAY from the scene.

4.2 You must stop if any property has been damaged or if anyone is injured and provide your name and address and any insurance details to anyone who needs it. 

4.3 Similarly, you should ask any other party who is involved for a name, address, and their insurance details.

4.4 As soon as reasonably possible after any accident you should tell us here or through the Help or feedback functions in our App.

4.5 We may ask a number of questions about the accident, such as when, where, and how it happened, and whether any third parties were involved.

4.6 You should not admit any fault or make any offers or promises etc. to any third party that was involved at any time without speaking to us or the insurance company first. 

4.7 Information on Ride Insurance can be found on the Neuron App and here.

5. OTHER RESTRICTIONS

5.1 Do not retain the vehicle in your possession after a trip. This includes keeping the vehicle within your property.

5.2 Do not fail to pay usage or other fees and charges as they become due.

5.3 Do not transport the vehicle other than by riding it, including on public transport.

5.4 Do not ride or transport the vehicle outside of the designated riding areas.

5.5 Do not prevent or obstruct other users from using the vehicle after completing a ride (e.g. by locking the vehicle with an external device).

5.6 Do not modify, disassemble, remove components, or otherwise tamper with the vehicle in any way.

5.7 Do not retain possession of personal protective equipment provided by Neuron, including helmets, after completing a ride. Attach these to the vehicle for use by the next rider (see also 2.2 When ending a trip)

5.8 Do not use the vehicle for commercial activities or purposes (e.g. courier, food delivery, promotional activities, rideshare) without Neuron’s prior written consent.