E-scooter riders in Victoria will face more rules and the threat of harsher fines when the vehicles become a fixture across the state later this year.

Following a two-year trial, private and rental electric scooters will be permanently legalised from October.

The state government on Friday announced fines will increase for using e-scooters on footpaths, not wearing a helmet, drinking alcohol while riding and underage riding.

Under a new rule, passengers who don’t wear a helmet will also face “significant fines”, the government said in a statement.

The details of the fines are still to be released.

It comes after calls from the Australian Medical Association in December to introduce stricter rules after a study by the Royal Melbourne Hospital showed 247 riders and nine pedestrians were treated for injuries in 2023.

Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams has said, while e-scooters are here to stay, there have been safety concerns.

“That’s why we have thoroughly assessed their use and are introducing some of the toughest new laws in the country to make e-scooters safer,” she says.

Rules around e-scooter use vary from state to state, but in Victoria people must wear a helmet, be at least 16 years old, and cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Share hire e-scooters are only legal at present in areas where councils have agreements with an operator.

The Department of Transport and Planning is working closely with councils and operators to introduce additional safeguards for share hire e-scooters.