NSW to legalise e-scooters on paths and roads up to 20km/h for those over 16

E-scooters have been stuck in a legislative bind in NSW – available to buy but illegal to operate in public spaces. Photograph: Mike Kemp/In Pictures/Getty Images

E-scooters will be legalised on shared paths and bike lanes on roads – but remain outlawed on footpaths – under a New South Wales government plan that will also introduce strict speed and age limits.

Despite their surge in popularity over the past decade and the ability to legally buy them in shops, e-scooters have been illegal to ride in public spaces in NSW – aside from limited trials in certain local council areas.