Riding Rules - South Australia :

Riding Rules, South Australia

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 motorised standing kick scooters and power assisted bicycles (each a “vehicle” and collectively the “vehicles”).

1. RESPONSIBLE RIDING

1.1 To ride our vehicles you 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, mobile electronic device, or any other device that might distract you while riding;

1.1.14 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;

1.1.15 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;

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

1.1.17 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:

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:

2.2.1 park the vehicle in a safe and responsible way, having regard for other path users;

2.2.2 for scooters, park upright beside bicycle parking stands where possible;

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, as further set out in the Neuron Terms of Service). In the event the vehicle is not fitted with a 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 do not park the vehicle on roads, in restricted public areas or within the pedestrian zone of a public footpath (5 metres of the building line);

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

2.2.9 do not park the vehicle where it may pose a safety hazard or cause an obstruction, including in common corridors, doorways, entrances, emergency exits, stairwells, etc.;

2.2.10 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

2.2.11 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 any Neuron vehicle in South Australia:

3.1.1 always obey applicable laws and road rules, including all applicable curfews and any other riding restrictions imposed by relevant authorities or by Neuron;

3.1.2 you may ride on footpaths, separated footpaths and shared paths (bicycle side only);

3.1.3 keep as far to the left as possible, including oncoming bicycles and other personal mobility devices.

3.1.4 do not ride in a dangerous or reckless manner, stay vigilant and keep a lookout for hazards;

3.1.5 ride in a safe and respectful manner and be considerate and watch out for others, especially pedestrians, and ride at a speed that does not put other road or path users at risk;

3.1.6 do not cause nuisance, distraction, or inconvenience to other road or path users;

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

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

3.1.9 travel at a safe speed and distance from a pedestrian or motor vehicle so you can avoid a collision;

3.1.10 you must give way to pedestrians, drivers of mobility devices (such a wheelchairs), cyclists, motor vehicles and any other road users at all times;

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

3.1.12 do not ride abreast with another vehicle;

3.1.13 do not carry the vehicle on public transport;

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

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

3.1.16 do not enter an area where the vehicle is prohibited.

3.2 In addition to 3.1, while riding a scooter in South Australia:

3.2.1 do not exceed 15km/h or a lesser speed if required in the circumstances to stop safely to avert danger;

3.2.2 you must not ride in a bike lane or bus lane;

3.2.3 do not ride on a road with a speed limit above 50km/h, a dividing line or median strip or multiple lanes if a one-way road unless:

a) you do so to avoid an obstruction; or

b) you are crossing the road by the shortest safest route.

3.3 In addition to 3.1, while riding a bicycle in South Australia:

3.3.1 you must abide by the Road Traffic Act 1961 and the Australian Road Rules;

3.3.2 you may ride on the road but keep as close to the left as possible except

a) to make a right turn;

b) to overtake; or

c) when the road is multi-laned.

3.3.3 you may ride in bus lanes but do not obstruct and keep a safe distance from buses;

3.3.4 ride in bicycle lanes where available;

3.3.5 no slipstreaming by riding within 2 metres of the back of a moving motor vehicle for more than 200 metres;

3.3.6 always give hand signals when preparing to turn right, diverge right, or when changing lanes to the right;

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

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

4. WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT

4.1 If any third parties are involved, then you must NOT RIDE AWAY.

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.

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.