Scooters at home: storing and parking them safely outdoors

Stories about scooters tend to focus on the road, but for most Australian households the more everyday question is where the scooter lives when it is not being ridden. Electric scooters, mobility scooters and small motor scooters all need a dry, secure and well-ventilated spot. That is where carports, verandahs and garden structures come into the picture.

Shelter from sun and rain

Australian sun is hard on plastics, seats and tyres, and summer storms can soak electrical components. A carport or a roofed side passage gives a scooter useful protection without the cost of a fully enclosed garage. A polycarbonate or Colorbond-style roof will shed water. A low side screen helps against wind-driven rain.

Charging safely

Lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters have been the subject of repeated fire-safety warnings from Australian fire services. The general advice is simple:

  • Use the manufacturer's charger.
  • Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface.
  • Do not charge overnight unattended or in an escape path such as a hallway.
  • Unplug the scooter once it is full.

An outdoor power point under cover, installed by a licensed electrician, is often a better option than an extension lead run from the house.

Security

Scooters are light and easy to lift, so a ground anchor or a lockable bar fixed to a slab is worth considering. Sensor lighting over a carport or side gate also deters opportunistic theft. Keep the scooter out of direct view from the street where you can.

Approvals

If you are adding a new roofed structure to store vehicles, check with your local council first. Many small carports can be built as exempt or complying development in NSW, but the rules depend on size, setbacks and the zoning of your lot. Our FAQ covers the basics. You can also browse the gallery for carport and side-shelter ideas.