Riding Rules - Northern Territory : Neuron Mobility

Riding Rules, Northern 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”).

1. RESPONSIBLE RIDING

1. 1 To ride our vehicles you must:

1.1.1 be at least 18 years of age;

1.1.2 be in good health;

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 and in a manner that is considerate to pedestrians, cyclists and all other road and pavement users;

1.1.4 not have any existing physical, mental, medical or other condition that may impair your ability to safely operate the vehicles;

1.1.5 for scooter use, keep under the scooter’s weight limit of 140kg (total weight, i.e. rider and cargo);

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

1.1.7 not be carrying items weighing more than 10kg in total;

1.1.8 wear an approved bicycle helmet that is securely fitted at all times (unless an exemption has been granted by an appropriate authority for medical or religious reasons);

1.1.9 wear other safety equipment as appropriate, including but not limited to covered footwear;

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

1.1.11 not carry passengers, including but not limited to other adults, children, infants (in baby carriers or otherwise), animals including pets and service animals etc;

1.1.12 not be carrying items that may impede your ability to safely operate the vehicle, including but not limited to bulky, oversized or imbalanced items;

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

1.1.14 not use headphones, earphones, earbuds, a headset, or other listening device while riding, or otherwise impede your ability to observe and pay attention to your surroundings;

1.1.15 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;

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

1.1.17 abide by all applicable traffic rules, and any other relevant laws and regulations (federal, state, local or otherwise).

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;

2.1.3 test the lights;

2.1.4 test the horn;

2.1.5 test the throttle;

2.1.6 check the pedals and chain are in working order, if you are using a bicycle;

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

2.1.8 ensure that you can adopt a comfortable riding position on the vehicle.

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

2.2.2 do not park outside the service area or in any designated no-parking zone as indicated in the Neuron app;

2.2.3 deploy the kickstand;

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

2.2.5 If you used a helmet provided by Neuron for the trip 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). In the event the vehicle is not fitted with an operational helmet lock, clip the helmet to the scooter’s handlebars using the helmet strap and notify Neuron of the faulty locking mechanism;

2.2.6 do not park the vehicle in restricted public areas or in the pedestrian zone of a public footpath or pathway;

2.2.7 do not park the vehicle on roads or in areas that could block public footpaths or hinder access to tactile ground surface indicators;

2.2.8 do not park the vehicle within a bus zone or any other place where it could interfere with pedestrian access generally or access to amenities;

2.2.9 do not park the vehicle where it may pose a safety hazard or cause an obstruction, including in common corridors, doorways, entrances, emergency exits, stairwells, etc.;

2.2.10 do not park the vehicle within restricted access private areas which will prevent other users from accessing the vehicle (e.g. within a condominium compound, within a commercial property, within a school compound, inside a residential property); and

2.2.11 do not park the scooter 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 any Neuron vehicle in the Northern Territory:

3.1.1 always obey applicable laws and road rules;

3.1.2 do not ride in a dangerous or reckless manner, stay vigilant and keep a look out for hazards;

3.1.3 do not ride abreast with another vehicle;

3.1.4 do not carry the vehicle on public transport;

3.1.5 ride in a safe and respectful manner and be considerate and watch out for others, especially pedestrians, and ride at a speed that does not put other road or path users at risk;

3.1.6 comply with all applicable curfews and any other riding restrictions imposed by relevant authorities or by Neuron;

3.1.7 do not cause nuisance, distraction, or inconvenience to other road or path users;

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

3.1.9 when approaching a crossing or intersection, slow down and be prepared to stop;

3.1.10 when at a crossing or intersection, stop and look for on-coming traffic or pedestrians before proceeding;

3.1.11 travel at a safe speed that allows you to stop safely to avoid colliding with a pedestrian or motor vehicle and comply with any low-speed zones that may be enforced where you are riding;

3.1.12 travel at a safe distance from a pedestrian or motor vehicle so you can avoid a collision;

3.1.13 you must give way to pedestrians, drivers of mobility devices (such a wheelchairs), cyclists, motor vehicles and any other road users at all times;

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

3.1.15 observe all relevant local speed limits, slow down if necessary:

3.1.16 keep a look out for traffic signs, and obey them;

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

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

3.2 In addition to 3.1, while riding a scooter in the Northern Territory:

3.2.1 do not exceed 15kmh or a lesser speed if required in the circumstances to stop safely to avert danger;

3.2.2 only ride on footpaths and shared paths (unless otherwise prohibited) and must keep to the left of the footpath or shared path unless it is impracticable to do so and give way to any pedestrian;

3.2.3 do not travel along a road unless travelling in a bicycle lane or:

a) there is an obstruction on a footpath, nature strip, or shared path adjacent to the road;

b) it is impracticable to travel on the adjacent area; and

c) you travel less than 50m along the road to avoid the obstruction;

3.2.4 do not ride past a personal mobility devices prohibited sign or enter an area where scooters (or personal mobility devices) are prohibited;

3.2.5 keep to the left on footpaths, shared paths, and cycling paths;

3.2.6 keep left of oncoming bicycles and other personal mobility devices; and

3.2.7 only use the bicycle side of a shared path.

3.3 In addition to 3.1, while riding a bicycle in the Northern Territory:

3.3.1 you must abide by the Traffic Regulations 1999 and the Australian Road Rules;

3.3.2 you may ride on footpaths and shared paths (unless an otherwise prohibited) but must at all times keep to the left;

3.3.3 you may ride on a road but must keep as far to the left as possible except

a) when making, or about to make a right turn;

b) where the road is divided into lanes; and

c) when overtaking

3.3.4 cycle in bicycle lanes where they are available;

3.3.5 never overtake on the left of vehicles that are indicating and turning left;

3.3.6 no slipstreaming by riding within 2 metres of the back of a moving motor vehicle for more than 200 metres;

3.3.7 you are permitted to ride in bus lanes, however you should not obstruct a bus and should maintain a safe distance from buses;

3.3.8 always give hand signals when preparing to turn right, diverge right, or when changing lanes to the right;

3.3.9 ensure your seat is facing forward and do not ride seated in any other positions e.g. on the handlebars;

3.3.10 you must always have at least one hand on the handlebars to ensure proper control of the bicycle;

3.3.11you must not be towed or hold onto a moving vehicle;

3.3.12 do not enter an area where bicycles are prohibited; and

3.3.13 only use the bicycle side of a shared path.

4. WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT

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

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.

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.