E-Bike and E-Scooter Laws Per State

Quick Answer: E-Scooter and E-Bike Laws in Australia (2026)

Short version: e-bikes that stay within the applicable motor power and speed limits are broadly permitted across the country. Private e-scooters are a different story, and the requirements shift sharply between jurisdictions. They can be used publicly under set conditions in VIC, QLD, ACT, SA, WA and TAS. NSW still confines personally owned e-scooters to private property. In the NT, a personal e-scooter used publicly must be limited to 200W and 10 km/h, while approved shared scooters operate under separate exemptions. NSW is working towards broader e-scooter acc ess, South Australia is reviewing its framework, and Queensland has further requirements taking effect on 31 August 2026. Check your state or territory transport authority before you ride.

What's Changing in 2026?

Three states have significant e-mobility developments to watch in 2026.

New South Wales. The NSW E-micromobility Action Plan 2025 sets out a pathway towards permitting personally owned e-scooters beyond private property. Those proposals have not taken effect. Personal devices remain restricted to private property, while approved shared scooters can operate within designated trial sites.

Queensland. Changes introduced on 1 July 2026 include a 12 km/h limit on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths, stronger enforcement powers and a a requirement for e-scooters and other PMDs to be restricted to 25 km/h, while e-bike motor assistance must end at 25 km/h. From 31 August 2026, riders must generally be at least 16 and hold a valid licence, subject to published exemptions and supervised riding provisions.

South Australia. Personally owned e-scooters have been permitted since July 2025. A formal review of the state’s e-scooter and e-bike framework began in June 2026, but the existing requirements remain in force while that process continues.

A proposal or review does not change what riders can do today. Confirm the latest position with your state transport authority before riding. For the full picture on e-bikes, see our detailed e-bike laws guide.

Per-State Summary Table: E-Scooter and E-Bike Rules at a Glance

*In the NT, e-bike riders over 17 are exempt from wearing a helmet on a public place, footpath, bicycle path or shared path, but must wear one when riding on a road.

State-by-State Breakdown

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria permits personally owned e-scooters that cannot exceed 25 km/h on level ground and weigh no more than 45 kg. That figure is the device limit, not the riding limit: riders must stay at or below 20 km/h. Footpaths are off-limits, and passengers or animals cannot be carried. See VicRoads for the full conditions.

For e-bikes, riders can use either a 250W EPAC with pedal assistance ending at 25 km/h or a power-assisted pedal cycle with no more than 200W of maximum output. More transport.vic.gov.au

New South Wales (NSW)

Personally owned e-scooters remain prohibited on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes. Approved rental devices may be used within designated trial sites, but riders cannot bring their own scooters into those areas. The NSW Government is working towards broader access, although the proposed changes have not yet taken effect.

NSW currently recognises two e-bike categories. A power-assisted pedal cycle may have up to 200W of combined motor output, must weigh less than 50 kg and cannot operate on motor power alone. An electrically power-assisted cycle may provide up to 500W of continuous rated power, with assistance reducing above 6 km/h and ending at 25 km/h. NSW plans to reduce the continuous power limit to 250W, with transitional arrangements extending to 2029. Buyers should look for the EN 15194 mark. Browse electric bikes for Sydney riders that meet the accepted specifications. More from Transport for NSW

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland classifies e-scooters as personal mobility devices. They can be used on permitted paths and certain roads unless signage excludes them. A qualifying device must be electric, designed for one person and restricted so it cannot exceed 25 km/h.

The limit is 12 km/h on footpaths and when passing pedestrians on shared paths. At other times on a shared path, riders must follow the signed limit and stay below 25 km/h. From 31 August 2026, riders must generally be at least 16 and hold a valid licence, subject to the published exemptions and supervised riding provisions.

A compliant e-bike may provide up to 250W of continuous motor assistance, which must end at 25 km/h. Throttle or walk assistance without pedalling is limited to 6 km/h. More from Queensland Government

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

In the ACT, e-scooters can travel at up to 15 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h on shared paths, bicycle paths and the bicycle side of separated paths. Road access is limited to situations where an adjacent path or nature strip is unavailable, impractical or unsafe to use.

The ACT recognises 250W EPACs as well as power-assisted pedal cycles with up to 200W of combined motor output. The 200W category must also weigh less than 50 kg and have an adjustable seat. 

South Australia (SA)

Personally owned e-scooters have been permitted in South Australia since 13 July 2025. Riders must remain at or below 10 km/h on footpaths, beaches, crossings and shared paths. Speeds of up to 25 km/h are allowed on bicycle infrastructure and qualifying roads. On a road with a 60 km/h limit, an e-scooter may be used only within an operating bicycle lane. Helmets are compulsory.

The state recognises 250W EPACs and power-assisted pedal cycles with up to 200W of combined output. Both e-bike and personal mobility device requirements are included in the review that began in June 2026.

Western Australia (WA)

A qualifying WA eRideable must weigh no more than 25 kg, fit within the prescribed dimensions and be incapable of exceeding 25 km/h on level ground. WA does not impose a motor-output limit when an eRideable meets the applicable speed, size and weight specifications.

Riders are limited to 10 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h on bicycle paths, shared paths and permitted local roads. Helmets are compulsory, and riders must be at least 16. E-bikes remain separate from the eRideable category and follow the recognised 250W EPAC and 200W power-assisted bicycle specifications.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania permits personal mobility devices on footpaths, shared paths, bicycle paths and qualifying local roads. The limit is 15 km/h on footpaths and 25 km/h on shared paths, bicycle paths and permitted roads. Riders cannot carry a passenger or animal.

For pedal-assisted bicycles, Tasmania recognises both 250W EPACs and bicycles with an auxiliary motor producing no more than 200W.

Northern Territory (NT)

The NT does not give ordinary privately owned e-scooters the same 25 km/h access available in several other jurisdictions. To be used in a public space, a personal scooter must have no more than 200W of power and be limited to 10 km/h. A device exceeding either limit is treated as a non-complying motor vehicle unless an exemption applies.

Approved Beam scooters operate separately within designated areas under a government exemption. These shared devices have their own age, helmet, location and operating conditions.

A privately owned e-bike may be used under bicycle requirements if it meets the 250W EPAC specification or the separate 200W power-assisted category.

How to Choose an E-Scooter or E-Bike That's Legal Where You Ride

E-bike requirements are relatively consistent across Australia. A common benchmark is a 250W EPAC with pedal assistance ending at 25 km/h, although some jurisdictions also recognise a separate 200W power-assisted bicycle category.

E-scooter requirements vary much more widely. Victoria limits qualifying devices to 45 kg, WA uses a 25 kg limit with prescribed dimensions, and the NT permits personally owned scooters in public only when they are limited to 200W and 10 km/h. A 25 km/h speed cap alone does not make a scooter suitable for public use in every state.

The EN 15194 mark is a useful indicator when choosing an EPAC, particularly as NSW moves towards a 250W continuous power limit. You should still compare the model’s motor power, speed cut-off, weight and device classification with the requirements where you intend to ride.

Every model in our electric scooter range lists its power, speed and weight. If you have a particular ride in mind, chat with our in-store or online team and we can help you compare its specifications with your state’s requirements before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Private E-Scooters Legal in NSW?

As of 25 August 2026, no. Personally owned e-scooters cannot be ridden on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths or bicycle lanes. They remain restricted to private property. Approved shared-scheme scooters can operate within designated trial sites, but riders cannot bring their own devices into those areas. The NSW E-micromobility Action Plan 2025 outlines a pathway towards broader access, although the proposed changes have not taken effect. Check Transport for NSW for the latest status.

What Is a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) Under Australian Law?

Australia does not have one nationwide definition of a personal mobility device. Depending on the state or territory, the category may include devices such as e-scooters, e-skateboards and self-balancing devices. Each jurisdiction applies its own specifications covering factors such as device type, dimensions, weight, power and maximum speed. 

What’s the Difference Between Shared and Privately-Owned E-Scooters?

Shared e-scooters are rental devices approved for specific areas and usually geo-limited and speed-capped. Private e-scooters belong to individual riders, and where they can be ridden depends on state law. In NSW, they remain restricted to private property.

Do I Need a Helmet on an E-Scooter or E-Bike?

In almost every case, yes. An approved helmet is required when riding an e-scooter in public and when using an e-bike on public roads throughout Australia. The NT has a limited exception for bicycle and compliant e-bike riders over 17 when they are riding in a public place or on a footpath, bicycle path or shared path rather than on a road.

What Are the Penalties for Riding Illegally?

Fines vary by state and offence, including riding without a helmet, using prohibited areas or exceeding speed limits. Check your state transport authority for current penalties. If range and legality are both on your mind, explore our long-range electric scooters and check each model against your state’s rules.

Wrapping Up

Australia still does not have one nationwide framework for e-scooters. A device permitted in Victoria, Queensland or Western Australia may remain confined to private property in NSW or fail the NT’s lower power and speed limits.

The position is continuing to develop in 2026. NSW is working towards broader e-scooter access, South Australia is reviewing its framework, and further Queensland requirements take effect on 31 August. Check your transport authority before riding, and if you need help matching a model to the requirements where you live, the Electric Kicks team is available in-store and online.