With more electric bikes transforming the way Australians get around, you might be wondering about the legal side of things. Is your electric bike allowed in your state? Can you ride on all roads and paths? How fast can you ride an electric bike? Can you carry a passenger?
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential laws and regulations you need to know, so you can enjoy your ride without worries.
General E-Bike Laws in Australia: What You Need to Know
Are electric bikes legal in all Australian states?
Riding electric bikes is legal across Australia, but specific regulations regarding power and speed limits as well as where you can ride may vary from state to state.
What is a road-legal electric bike?
An electric bike is basically a bike equipped with a motor and a battery. However, not all electric bikes are created equal, and in Australia, there are only specific types of e-bikes that are legally allowed on public roads and paths:
1. Pedelec or EPAC (Electronically Power Assisted Cycle)
A pedal-assisted electric bike or pedelec is equipped with a motor that only provides assistance when the rider is actively pedalling. Regulations across Australia may vary per state, but in general, pedelecs are legal as long as the motor power assistance cuts off once the e-bike reaches 25 KPH.
2. Power-Assisted Electric Bikes/Throttle-Assisted Electric Bikes
On the other hand, throttle-assisted electric bikes are controlled by a throttle and are comparable to motorcycles. While they are legal in the country, because of the nature of their operation, throttle-powered electric bikes are given stricter regulations in terms of power output and maximum assistance.
What is the speed limit for electric bikes in Australia?
In Australia, electric bikes can assist the rider up to a maximum speed of 25 KPH. After reaching this speed, the motor power needs to be cut off and should be only powered by pedalling.
Do I need a licence to ride my electric bike?
No, you don’t need a licence to ride your electric bike in Australia as long as it meets the legal power and speed limits.
Can I ride my e-bike on bike paths and shared paths?
Local rules and regulations determine where you can legally ride your electric bike, so it’s crucial to check the specific electric bike laws in your area.
Bike lanes can be found in almost every Australian state, so you’ll often find safe designated spaces for bicycle riders. However, it remains essential to verify whether electric bikes are allowed on all bike lanes within your state or if certain restrictions apply, especially in shared lanes with pedestrians.
On the other hand, most states prohibit riding electric bikes on freeways, highways, and spaces generally reserved for high-speed vehicles.
Do I need to wear a helmet when riding?
Definitely! Whether you’re riding an electric bike or an electric scooter, you are expected to wear a high-quality helmet that meets the Australian standard. Make sure your helmet fits you securely, is made from durable materials, and has all the necessary safety certifications.
Riding an electric bike without a helmet can result in fines and penalties, which vary by state and territory.
Can I use my phone while riding?
Using your phone actively while riding is strongly prohibited and even illegal in many areas, as it can be a distraction and increase the risk of accidents.
Unless you are using your phone hands-free—such as when it’s mounted on a phone holder for navigation—it’s safest to use it only when you have stopped.
Does my electric bike need lights?
Absolutely. All Australian states require working lights on all electric bikes ridden on the road. In most states, electric bikes need to have a white front light, a rear red light, as well as reflectors on the pedals.
Some states even require the addition of front or rear reflectors visible for at least 50 metres away.
Are there age restrictions for riding e-bikes in Australia?
Age restrictions for riding electric bikes highly vary by state and are often updated from time to time. It’s best to look up your local laws for the most up to date and detailed information.
Can I carry a passenger on my electric bike?
You can carry a passenger on your electric bike as long as it’s designed for this purpose. For example, if your e-bike comes with a rear passenger seat or accommodations for an extra rider, it’s safe to assume you can carry a passenger. Check out our family and cargo e-bikes for suitable options.
Does my passenger need to wear a helmet?
If you’re carrying a passenger, they must also wear a helmet. In Australia, helmet use is mandatory for both the rider and the passenger, and certain penalties apply if either fails to comply.
What happens if I break e-bike laws in the country?
If you break e-bike laws in Australia, you could face various consequences depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Penalties often include fines, which vary per state, but repeated or serious violations may lead to further legal actions.
To avoid these penalties, always adhere to local regulations and ensure your electric bike meets all legal requirements.
Australian Electric Bike Laws Per State
While general electric bike requirements and safety regulations are consistent nationwide, each state has its specific laws and rules.
In this guide, we’ll provide a brief overview of the key regulations in each region so you can ride legally no matter where you are in the country.
Victoria
The state of Victoria allows both pedelecs and throttle-assisted bikes. According to the Transport Victoria website, EPACs must have a maximum continued rated power of 250W and must no longer provide power at speeds higher than 25 KPH.
On the other hand, motors on throttle-assisted electric bikes must produce a maximum ungoverned continuous rated power output that does not exceed 200W.
For both types of electric bikes mentioned above, licence and registration are not required. However, if your ride exceeds the aforementioned qualifications, it may be considered a motorcycle and, thus, will require a motorcycle licence and registration.
Read more about riding electric bikes in Victoria.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, like in Victoria, e-bikes are legal as long as they meet specific criteria. Riders can use either a power-assisted bicycle with a maximum power output of 200W or an electrically power-assisted cycle with a continuous rated power of up to 500W (the highest among Australian states). For the latter, the motor assistance must stop once the bike reaches 25 KPH.
Likewise, licence and registration are not required for the two types of electric bikes described.
However, the NSW government includes additional requirements, such as a 50-KG weight limit for power-assisted bicycles, so we recommend taking the time to study the state’s regulations here.
Read more about riding electric bikes in Sydney.
Queensland
Queensland is known for its progressive stance on alternative transportation. Here, electric bikes are considered to be in the same category as traditional bikes and are legal on all roads and paths, except where bicycles are prohibited. Licence and registration are not required.
That said, just like other states, your electric bike needs to meet the same standards so you can ride legally in Queensland. A legally-abiding electric bike must either have an electric motor capable of generating no more than 200W or, if you have a Pedelec, it must have a motor that doesn’t exceed 250W and cuts out at 25 KPH.
The Queensland government website also states that Pedelecs must comply with the European Standard for Power Assisted Pedal Cycles.
Read more about riding electric bikes in Brisbane.
South Australia
South Australia does not differ much from other Australian states when it comes to electric bike laws and regulations. Your ride can either be a power-assisted pedal cycle with a power output that doesn’t exceed 200W or an electrically power-assisted bicycle with a maximum continuous electric output that does not exceed 250W.
While the state does not require licence and registration for electric bikes, the government has published additional requirements. For example, power-assisted pedal cycles must weigh less than 50 KG, while the power output on electrically power-assisted cycles must progressively reduce once the rider exceeds 6 KPH. We recommend periodically checking the state website to be updated about these regulations.
Read more about riding electric bikes in Adelaide.
Western Australia
Electric bikes are also legal in Western Australia, as long as they comply with requirements common among other states. Pedelecs should have power outputs that don’t exceed 250W, while power-assisted bicycles should not exceed 200W.
For both types of electric bicycles, the power assistance must cut out at 25 KPH. Licence and registration are not required for legally-abiding electric bikes.
Please visit the state’s Department of Transport website to learn more about South Australia’s rules and regulations.
Read more about riding electric bikes in Perth.
Tasmania
Generally, the state of Tasmania permits two basic categories of electric bikes: Pedelecs of EPACS that generate a maximum continuous rated power of 250W (cuts off at 25 KPH) and power-assisted bicycles that generate at most 200W.
However, the state also has certain rules and regulations for other types of electric bikes. Petrol-powered bicycles, for instance, are permitted as long as they are primarily propelled through pedalling and do not exceed 200W in power output.
To learn more about the legalities of electric bikes in Tasmania, check out the state website here.
Read more about riding electric bikes in Hobart.
Northern Territory
With electric bike laws similar to other Australian states, riding one is legal in the Northern Territory as long as it meets the aforementioned criteria. It must either be a Pedelec with a maximum motor power output of 250W or a power-assisted cycle capable of producing a power output not exceeding 200W.
Similarly, the state does not require licence and registration. However, pedelecs must comply with the European Standard EN 15194 and must have a visible label that states its compliance. You can learn more about the state’s laws and regulations here.
Read more about riding electric bikes in Darwin.
Australian Capital Territory
Finally, we have the Australian Capital Territory, home to the country’s capital, Canberra. Like other Australian states, riding electric bikes is legal in ACT as long as it meets the criteria described above. You can legally ride an e-bike in the state if it’s a Pedelec limited to 250W or a power-assisted cycle limited to 200W.
The state puts an emphasis on climate-friendly choices and, thus, encourages its residents to walk or cycle to reduce their carbon footprint. Check out the government’s website for tips on parking, transporting your e-bike, and more.
Read more about riding electric bikes in Canberra.
Wrapping Up
Understanding electric bike laws and regulations across Australia ensures you enjoy your ride while staying on the right side of the law.
While the core requirements for electric bikes are consistent nationwide, local rules can vary significantly, which often affect where and how you can ride. Always check your state’s regulations to stay informed and updated – by doing this, you can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience on your e-bike.