There is a range of low-powered devices that New Zealanders use for travel or recreation. While these vehicles and devices offer the benefit of increased mobility, they can also increase your safety risks on and around the road.
The following do not meet the definition of a motor vehicle or have been declared not to be a motor vehicle and you can use them without registration or a driver's licence.
An e-scooter is designed in the style of a traditional push scooter and is powered by an electric motor.
Some e-scooters are not classified as motor vehicles. This means they do not have to be registered, and users can ride them without holding a driver licence.
To meet these requirements e-scooters must:
This includes seated e-scooters with a footboard that a rider can also stand on.
Low powered two and three wheeled electric devices without footboards a rider can stand on are usually considered mopeds and must meet the relevant requirements for this vehicle.
If an e-scooter can operate autonomously or by remote control, these functions must be deactivated or not used.
NZTA (Declaration Not to be Motor Vehicles) Notice 2023(external link)
An electric auxiliary propulsion motor is a motor that requires a rider to assist in the control or power of the device.
E-scooters have two power outputs that need to be considered – rated/nominal (standard), and peak.
NZTA considers the maximum power output of an e-scooter to be its rated/nominal, or standard power output. This is the sustainable maximum output the e-scooter can produce.
This can be found on a label on the e-scooter, in the devices’ operating manual, or the on manufacturers or retailers’ website.
In some cases, through speed control software, the standard power output can be different to what is stated. For example, share-scheme e-scooters standard power output is typically lower than what is stated.
Using e-scooters and low-powered vehicles
E-scooters that meet the requirements above can be used on the footpath or the road except in designated cycle lanes that are part of the road (that are designed for the sole use of cyclists).
On the footpath the user must:
On the road, e-scooters must be operated as close to the edge of the road as possible.
A helmet is not legally required to be worn when using an e-scooter but is recommended.
Mobility devices are vehicles designed and constructed for people needing help with mobility because of physical or neurological impairment and powered by a motor of up to 1500 watts. It is the Transport Agency’s view that enclosed four-wheeled electric mini cars and fat tyre e-scooters, which are often sold as ‘mobility devices,’ are not mobility devices.
Read more about mobility devices
A power assisted cycle has an auxiliary electric motor with a maximum power not exceeding 300W and is designed to be primarily propelled by the muscular energy of the rider. Refer to the definition and requirements(external link).
The rules for cycles will apply (see cycles below).
The following examples are not power-assisted cycles but are mopeds:
Read the full requirements(external link)
You are responsible for finding out the requirements for using low-powered vehicles. The configuration of the vehicle or type and power of the motor may determine whether there are specific requirements for its use, such as wearing safety helmets. Manufacturers and retailers won’t always provide this information.
The requirements that apply will generally depend on whether your vehicle is defined in transport law as a ‘vehicle’ or a ‘motor vehicle’. It is important to determine which you are using. To be sure, check out the full and complete legal definition of vehicle and motor vehicle in the interpretation section of the Land Transport Act 1998(external link) and in the gazette notice given above.
Except for those listed above all other powered vehicles require registration, an appropriate driver licence and must meet appropriate equipment and safety standards for the appropriate class of vehicle.
Check out our vehicle definitions
The following are examples of vehicles that meet the definition of motor vehicle but have difficulties meeting the safety standards and other requirements. This means they cannot be operated on the road.
Note that ‘road’ is a very broadly defined term
*A District Court case found that a particular Segway was a mobility device. There remains uncertainty as to their general classification under current legislation. Riders should follow usage requirements in the Road User Rule.
There are requirements on where and how you can use them.
Safe skateboard and cycling skills(external link)
Read the requirements for wheeled recreational devices in section 11 of the Road User Rule(external link).
For requirements on using cycles please see cycling smart and our cycles factsheet [PDF, 96 KB].
