Although hire E-scooters are banned within the City of Melbourne, new rules have come into effect in the Port Phillip and Yarra municipalities where they are still permitted.
Fines are increasing for riding without a helmet to $395, riding on a footpath to $296 and carrying a passenger to $247.
E-scooter passengers will also face a new fine of at least $247, and this sum will increase to $642 if they are also not wearing a helmet.
Riders caught riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol are subject to the same rules as motorists and will also have their vehicle licence automatically suspended and have an interlock fitted to their vehicle for at least six months.
The main road rules will remain unchanged, with riders needing to be at least 16 years old, not travel at more than 20 kilometres per hour and only ride on roads with a maximum speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour or less.
Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Public and Active Transport, announced a new advertising campaign in partnership with TAC to promote safe riding and reinforce the tough new penalties that come into effect this month.
Share hire e-scooters are only legal in council areas that have an agreement with an operator – while private scooters can still be used across Victoria.