Scooters and other small personal transport devices can be great for short commutes or bridging the gap between public transport and your destination – especially for the first or last kilometer of your journey.
Smart for short trips
- Push scooters are lightweight, affordable, and faster than walking – ideal for school runs or trips up to 2 – 3 km.
- Adult models are designed for comfort and efficiency – great for urban commutes.
- E-scooters offer added speed and range, and many models fold for easy storage and portability.
- Perfect for multi-modal travel – scoot to the bus, fold it up, ride, then scoot the rest of the way.
Where can I ride my scooter & skateboard?
- Legally allowed on footpaths and roads in New Zealand.
- Best suited to shared or cycle paths for comfort and safety.
- Use a bell or give a verbal signal when passing pedestrians.
- Keep speeds low – no more than a fast walking pace when overtaking.
Other options
- Skateboards (manual or electric) can also be useful for short trips, though they require more skill and road awareness.
- Electric unicycles and other niche devices are available but may come with higher learning curves and safety risks.
Top Tip
Start slow. Scooters are fun and fast, but loose gravel or uneven footpaths can be challenging. Build your skill before you build your speed.