Riding Rules - New South Wales :

Riding Rules, New South Wales

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 and could invalidate any available insurance.

These Riding Rules apply to your access and use of our electric scooters and power assisted bicycles (each a “vehicle” and collectively the “vehicles”).

You must always abide by all applicable road rules, parking requirements, service period restrictions, NSW Government e-scooter shared scheme trial parameters, and any other relevant laws, regulations or restrictions imposed by relevant authorities or by Neuron.

1. RESPONSIBLE RIDING

1.1 To ride our bicycles 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 vehicle;

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 wear a helmet and other safety equipment as appropriate, including but not limited to covered footwear;;

1.1.5 be the only rider (never allow someone else to ride your vehicle);

1.1.6 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.;

1.1.7 keep under the weight limit of 120kg for bicycle and 140kg for scooter (total weight i.e. rider and cargo);

1.1.8 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;

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

1.1.10 not ride in adverse weather conditions, such as 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;

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

1.1.12 not ride in a dangerous or reckless manner, or cause a nuisance, distraction or inconvenience to other road or path users;

1.1.13 stay vigilant, keep a lookout for hazards and other road or path users; and

1.1.14 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; and

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 (for bicycles) or stand (for scooters) facing forward).

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 operation 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 where possible and not on narrow footpaths;

2.3.4 for bicycles, you may park near public bicycle racks but keep rack space free for regular bicycles;

2.3.5 do not park the vehicle:

(a) outside the service area or in any designated no-parking zones indicated in the Neuron app;

(b) where it may pose a safety hazard or cause an obstruction, including interfering with access to tactile ground surface indicators, common corridors, doorways, entrances, emergency exits, stairwells, pedestrian access or amenities etc; or

(c) within bus zones or 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

(d) where doing so would be a breach of applicable traffic rules, and any other relevant laws and regulations (federal, state, local or otherwise).

3. DURING A TRIP

While riding in New South Wales, observe the following:

3.1 For scooters:

3.1.1 you must not:

(a) ride on footpaths; or

(b) ride between 12am and 5am;

3.1.2 you may ride:

(a) up to 10 km/h on shared paths; and

(b) up to 20 km/h on bicycle paths and roads (including bicycle lanes) with a speed limit of 50 km/h.

3.2 For bicycles:

3.2.1 you must:

(a) ride in bicycle lanes were available unless it is impracticable to do so;

(b) keep left and always give hand signals when you turn right or merge to the right lane;

3.2.2 you may ride:

(a) on roads, bicycle paths and shared paths;

(b) two abreast but not more than 1.5 metres apart;

3.2.3 you must not ride:

(a) on footpaths unless accompanying and supervising a child under 12 years of age or you have a medical exemption;

(b) on a crossing unless there is a green bicycle traffic light;

(d) on any toll roads, expressways, freeways, motorways or highways;

(e) in any area where bicycles are prohibited;

3.3 For any vehicle:

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

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

3.3.3 keep a lookout for and observe traffic signs, signals and local speed limits;

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

3.3.5 stop riding immediately if the vehicle malfunctions, the battery level is low, or the vehicle cannot be ridden safely;

3.3.6 always sit facing forward and do not ride seated in any other positions e.g. on the handlebars; and

3.3.7 you must always have at least one hand on the handlebars to ensure proper control of the vehicle.

4. WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT

4.1 If any third parties are involved, then you MUST NOT RIDE AWAY from the scene.

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 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, including on public transport.

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.