Riding Rules - Tasmania :

Riding Rules, Tasmania

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.

These Riding Rules apply to your access and use of our electric motorised standing kick scooters (“e-scooters”). You are responsible for familiarising yourself with these Riding Rules as well as all laws and road rules that apply to your use of the e-scooter.

1. RESPONSIBLE RIDING

1.1 To ride our e-scooters you must:

1.1.1 be at least 18 years of age;

1.1.2 be in good health;

1.1.3 abide by all applicable road rules, and any other relevant laws and regulations, in particular the Road Rules 2019;

1.1.4 not be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, drugs, medication, or any other substance that may impair your ability to operate the e-scooter safely and in a manner that is considerate to pedestrians, cyclists and all other road and pavement users;

1.1.5 not have any existing physical, mental, medical or other condition that may impair your ability to safely operate the e-scooter;

1.1.6 keep under the e-scooter’s weight limit of 140kg (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 e-scooter);

1.1.11 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;

1.1.12 not be carrying items that may impede your ability to safely operate the e-scooter, including but not limited to bulky, oversized or imbalanced item

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; and

1.1.16 not use the e-scooter for racing, tricks, stunts, or in any other manner other than for personal transport.

2. STARTING AND ENDING A TRIP

2.1 Before starting a trip:

2.1.1 inspect the e-scooter 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 wear a helmet (whether provided by Neuron or otherwise) and other personal protective equipment as necessary and as mandated in your location; and

2.1.7 ensure that you can adopt a comfortable riding position on the electric scooter.

Do not use the e-scooter 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 e-scooter in a safe and responsible way, having regard for other path users;

2.2.2 park only in the designated parking areas indicated in the Neuron app and park near public bike racks where possible;

2.2.3 deploy the kickstand;

2.2.4 return the e-scooter in the same condition as when you started the trip, normal wear and tear permitting;

2.2.5 If you used a helmet provided by Neuron for the trip, return the helmet to the locking mechanism fitted to the e-scooter 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 e-scooter is not fitted with an operational helmet lock, clip the helmet to the e-scooter’s handlebars using the helmet strap and notify Neuron of the faulty locking mechanism;

2.2.6 do not park the e-scooter in restricted public areas, against street infrastructure (including near or against a wall) or in the pedestrian zone of a public footpath or pathway;

2.2.7 do not park the e-scooter on roads or in areas that could block public footpaths or hinder access to tactile ground surface indicators;

2.2.8 do not park the e-scooter within a bus zone or any other place where it could interfere with pedestrian access generally or access to amenities;

2.2.9 do not park the e-scooter 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 e-scooter within restricted access private areas which will prevent other users from accessing the e-scooter (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 e-scooter 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 an e-scooter in Tasmania:

3.1.1 always obey applicable laws and road rules, in particular the Road Rules 2019 ;

3.1.2 you may ride on:

a) footpaths but do not exceed 15km/h; and

b) shared paths, separated footpaths, bicycle paths or some low-speed roads but do not exceed 25km/h;

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

a) you are travelling less than 50 metres to avoid an obstruction; or

b) you are crossing the road by the shortest safest route and you do not stay on the road longer than necessary to cross safely;

3.1.4 stay off all main roads, controlled-access roadways or expressways, freeways, motorways or highways;

3.1.5 stay within the riding zones as marked on the Neuron App and comply with all applicable curfews and any other riding restrictions (including speed limits) imposed by relevant authorities or by Neuron;

3.1.6 keep as far left as practicable and do not travel two or more abreast alongside a pedestrian or another vehicle;

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

3.1.8 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;

3.1.9 do not carry the e-scooter on public transport;

3.1.10 do not cause a traffic hazard, nuisance, distraction, or inconvenience to other road or path users, including by moving into the path of a driver or pedestrian;

3.1.11 when at a crossing or intersection, stop and look for on-coming traffic or pedestrians before proceeding;

3.1.12 travel at a safe speed that allows you to stop safely to avoid colliding with a pedestrian or motor vehicle and comply with any low-speed zones that may be enforced where you are riding;

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

3.1.14 keep a lookout for road signs and markings, and obey them;

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

3.1.16 stop riding immediately if the e-scooter malfunctions, the battery level is low, or the e-scooter cannot be ridden safely.

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 e-scooter in your possession after a trip. This includes keeping the e-scooter 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 e-scooter other than by riding it.

5.4 Do not ride or transport the e-scooter outside of the designated riding areas.

5.5 Do not prevent or obstruct other users from using the e-scooter after completing a ride (e.g. by locking the e-scooter with an external device).

5.6 Do not open, modify, disassemble, remove components, or otherwise tamper with the e-scooter 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 e-scooter for use by the next rider (see also 2.2 When ending a trip)

5.8 Do not use the e-scooter for commercial activities or purposes (e.g. courier, food delivery, promotional activities, rideshare) without Neuron’s prior written consent.