E-scooter licences and regulations in Auckland

What are e-scooters?

E-scooters are defined by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) as wheeled recreational devices of less than 300 watts in power.

• They are not classified as a motor vehicle.
• They don't need to be licensed or registered.

E-scooter regulations

E-scooters are regulated by central government.

NZTA has decided any e-scooter can be ridden on the footpath, shared paths, separated cycle paths and on the road.

The speed limit for e-scooters is the same as the road speed limit in a given area.

A helmet is not legally required but is recommended.

In Auckland, operators of rental e-scooters that are parked in public places are also licensed and regulated through the Trading and Events in Public Places bylaw 2015.

The safety conditions and expectations we have set for this type of business are outlined in the E-scooter Shared Services Code of Practice, which is linked to the rental e-scooter operator's licence.

Rental e-scooter licensing trials

Auckland Council and Auckland Transport have run a series of trials around the licensing of rental e-scooters in Auckland under our bylaw.

First trial: October 2018 to March 2019

The first trial was between 15 October 2018 and 14 January 2019, which was extended until 31 March 2019. Operators Lime and Wave participated in the first trial.

The report 'Rental e-scooter trial 1.0 - Provisional Strategic Evaluation' evaluated this first trial in the context of the strategic objectives for Auckland.

Provisional findings indicated that, broadly speaking, the outcomes of the first trial were in line with the strategic goals of the council and Auckland Transport — particularly around better connecting people, places, goods and services.

​Second trial: April to October 2019

The second trial was between 1 April and 31 October 2019, and included updated licence conditions for operators. Lime, Wave and Flamingo participated in this trial.

For more on the second trial, including how we updated the code of practice and introduced slow-speed zones, see OurAuckland.

Current phase of rental e-scooter licensing

We completed the second of two rental e-scooter trials on 31 October 2019.

Based on our evaluation of the information gathered throughout the two trials, we have decided to continue licensing rental e-scooter schemes under the bylaw.

We are entering a new phase of licensing rental e-scooter operations. While we receive and review applications for the next licensing period, have extended Lime, Wave and Flamingo's current licences for up to six weeks.

Report accidents and poorly parked scooters

If you are involved in an accident or near miss with a ride share e-scooter, or you see an incorrectly parked e-scooter, report this to the relevant operator:

Lime: 0800 467 001 or email support@li.me

Wave: 09 281 9491 or email AKL@wavescooters.com

Flamingo: 0800 FLAMINGO or email hello@flamingoscooters.com

You can also send us an email so that we can follow up on your concerns.

Apply for a licence to operate a rental e-scooter scheme

To apply for a licence to operate a rental e-scooter scheme, email

escooterprogramme@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz