Riding Rules, New Zealand

Last updated 8 March 2023

Where are you riding?

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. 

1. RESPONSIBLE RIDING

1.1 To ride our vehicles you (and any Group Rider) 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, or mobile electronic device while riding;

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

1.1.15 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;

1.1.16 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;

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

1.1.18 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 you (and any Group Rider) must:

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 you (and any Group Rider) must:

2.2.1 park the vehicle in a safe and responsible way, having regard for other path and street users, including those that have some disability such as visual impairment;

2.2.2 park the vehicle upright and close to the kerb edge where lamp posts, signs or rubbish bins are usually placed to keep the area safe for everyone;

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

2.2.4 deploy the kickstand;

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

2.2.6 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).In the event the vehicle is not fitted 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;

2.2.7 avoid parking the vehicle on narrow footpaths or in busy areas where there is not enough room for people to pass;

2.2.8 do not park the vehicle in restricted public areas;

2.2.9 do not park the vehicle on any part of roads or on-road cycle lanes, on any part of separated cycleways or in areas that could block public footpaths, pedestrian crossings and bus stops;

2.2.10 do not park the vehicle within a bus zone or any other place where it could hinder access to tactile ground surface indicators or interfere with pedestrian access generally or access to amenities;

2.2.11 do not park the vehicle where it may cause a safety hazard or an obstruction, including in common corridors, doorways, entrances, emergency exits, stairwells, main thoroughfares, driveways or entrance ways etc.;

2.2.12 do not park against fences, buildings or on private property;

2.2.13 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

2.2.14 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 a Neuron vehicle in New Zealand you (and any Group Rider) must:

3.1.1 always obey applicable laws and road rules;

3.1.2 use scooters on footpaths or the road, except in designated cycle lanes that are part of the road (which were designed for the sole use of cyclists);

3.1.3 only use bicycles on cycle paths or the road, and not on footpaths;

3.1.4 keep as far left as you practicable can on footpaths, shared paths, cycling paths and roads;

3.1.5 if riding on the road, stay a safe distance from the kerb or edge of the road, to avoid gutters, debris and stormwater grates;

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

3.1.7 ride in a safe and respectful manner and be considerate and watch out for others, especially pedestrians;

3.1.8 be aware that other road or pathway users may not hear you approaching, use a bell or call out politely;

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

3.1.10 not cause nuisance, distraction, or inconvenience to other road or pathway users;

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

3.1.12 if choosing between alternative routes using a road or pathway, always consider local conditions and choose a route that is safest for you and other road or pathway users;

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

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

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

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

3.1.17 give way to pedestrians and drivers of mobility devices (such as wheelchairs), motor vehicles and any other road users at all times;

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

3.1.19 observe all relevant local speed limits and slow down if necessary;

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

3.1.21 for scooters, only use the bicycle side of a shared path;

3.1.22 ensure that you (and any Group Rider) have adequate visibility at all times, and can be seen by fellow road users, use the on-board lights when necessary; and

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

3.2 In addition to 3.1, while riding a bicycle in New Zealand you (and any Group Rider):

3.2.1 must abide by the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 and The New Zealand code for cycling;

3.2.2 must ride on the cycle path where they are available;

3.2.3 must only ride in a bus lane as long as there are no signs or road markings forbidding this, however, you should not obstruct a bus and should maintain a safe distance from buses;

3.2.4 may ride in a transit lane;

3.2.5 in segregated shared paths, must only ride on the side marked for bicycles;

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

3.2.7 if riding with other cyclists, must not ride more than two abreast and ride in a single file when you pass other vehicles, including parked vehicles;

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

3.2.9 must use hand signals correctly and signal for at least 3 seconds before moving into traffic, stopping or changing direction, unless it puts you or the Group Rider (if applicable) at risk of losing control of your bicycle:

a) extend your left arm and hand to signal that you are going to turn or move left;

b) extend your right arm and hand to signal that you re going to turn or move right; and

c) extend your right arm and raise your forearm and hand to signal that you are going to stop.

3.2.10 on the road, must pass other people and vehicles on the right, except if you are in a separate lane or where vehicles are turning right or stopped;

3.2.11 must not enter an area where bicycles are prohibited; and

3.2.12 must not be towed by another vehicle.

4. WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT

4.1 Make sure you, any Group Rider and any third parties involved are safe, then seek emergency assistance if required.In the event of an emergency, please follow the guidance on our emergency page.

4.2 The customer support team will ask a number of questions about the accident, such as when, where, and how it happened, and whether any third parties were involved.

4.3 If any third parties are involved, then you (and any Group Rider) must NOT RIDE AWAY.You must stop if any property has been damaged or if anyone is injured and provide your name and address and any other relevant details to anyone who needs it.

4.4 Similarly, you should ask any other third party who is involved for a name, address, and any other relevant details.

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.