Riding Rules, Western Australia

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 (“e-scooters”). You are responsible for familiarising yourself with these Riding Rules as well as all laws and road rules that apply to your use of the e-scooter. 

You must always abide by all applicable road rules (in particular the Road Rules 2019 and the Road Traffic Code 2000), 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 e-scooters 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 e-scooter);

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

1.1.6 keep under the e-scooter’s weight limit (total weight, i.e. rider and cargo) of 100 kg in Busselton and 140 kg in Stirling and the City of Perth;

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, mobile electronic device, earphones or any other 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 e-scooter 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 sit 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, taxi zones, loading zones, bus zones, school zones, outside the service area or in any designated no-parking zones indicated in the Neuron app;

(b) in restricted public areas, against street infrastructure (including near or against a wall) or in the pedestrian zone of a public footpath or pathway;

(c) where it may pose a safety hazard, or cause an obstruction, including interfering with access to tactile ground surface indicators, common corridors, doorways, entrances, mailboxes, fire and emergency infrastructure, stairways, inspection holes and chambers, on-site fire hydrant points, paths, public servicing and maintenance work, pedestrian access generally or access to amenities etc.;

(d) 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

(e) on top of tree grates, garden beds, or in any such way that may damage trees or other landscaping including soil, garden beds, lawns or turfed areas, garden or park improvements, plants or nearby structures or public works, including artworks;

(f) 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 an e-scooter in Western Australia:

3.1.1 you must always:

(a) stay within the riding zones as marked on the Neuron App;

(b) keep as far left as practicable; and

(c) use hand signals when turning with at least one hand on the handlebars to ensure proper control of the e-scooter;

3.1.2 you may ride:

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

(b) up to 25 km/h on shared paths, bicycle paths or some low-speed roads; and

(c) in bicycle lanes of a road where it is provided and in a reasonable condition for use;

3.1.3 you must not:

(a) ride on roads with a speed-limit above 50 km/h, a dividing line or median strip or multiple lanes if a one-way road, unless you are avoiding an obstruction or crossing the road by the shortest safest route;

(b) ride on main roads, controlled-access roadways or expressways, freeways, motorways or highways;

(c) travel alongside another rider, pedestrian, device or vehicle unless overtaking;

(d) slipstream by riding within 2 metres behind a motor vehicle for more than 200 metres; or

(e) enter an area where e-scooters are prohibited.

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

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

3.1.6 keep a lookout  and observe traffic signs, signals, road markings and local speed limits; 

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

3.1.8 stop riding immediately if the e-scooter malfunctions, the battery level is low, or the e-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. 

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 e-scooter in your possession after a trip. This includes keeping the e-scooter 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 e-scooter other than by riding it, including on public transport.

5.4 Do not ride or transport the e-scooter outside of the designated riding areas.

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

5.6 Do not open, modify, disassemble, remove components, or otherwise tamper with the e-scooter 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 e-scooter for use by the next rider (see also 2.2 When ending a trip

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