Collection: Electric Bikes in Cairns

Discover the stunning natural wonders of this tropical paradise. A place where turquoise waters and lush greeneries meet, Cairns has a warm and inviting atmosphere that hosts a unique set of experiences found nowhere else.

Located in the heart of Far North Queensland, Cairns is a laidback city that is best known for being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to an abundance of marine life, from turtles and sharks to various species of shellfish and coral. 

You can also explore diverse flora in Cairns Botanic Gardens, interact with wildlife in the Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, or enjoy a quiet walk along the Cairns Esplanade.

For the more adventurous, we suggest going for a hike through the rainforest of Mossman Gorge or going snorkelling in the pristine waters of Fitzroy Island. 

With a population of over 169,000, this gorgeous city is the 15th most populous in Australia, and in 2021, it was recognised as the country’s top destination for tourists of all categories. If you haven’t been to Cairns yet, you're in for an unforgettable treat. 

Escape the hustle and bustle of the big metropolis and explore this premium e-bike territory on your own two-wheeled ride. 

While Cairns is a delightful city to explore, its residents and visitors unfortunately suffer from limited transportation options.

Right now, the only public transport available in the city is the public bus service. While the bus runs daily, residents complain of the outdated system characterised by delays and cancellations, limited routes and availability, and long wait times between buses. 

On the other hand, getting around the city by taxi comes with a hefty price tag, as taxi fares in Cairns can be quite expensive.

You might think that driving a car is the best way to navigate Cairns, but the city’s infrastructure is not as advanced as bigger Australian cities like Sydney. Furthermore, the city regularly experiences traffic congestion during peak times. 

Cairns will ultimately benefit from a wider bus network, perhaps a light rail system, and better road infrastructure. Until then, the best way to get around the city is through alternative modes of transportation like using an electric bicycle.

Riding electric bikes is legal in Cairns, with laws and regulations similar to those of Brisbane and other cities in Queensland. It can be ridden on all roads and paths, except in areas where bicycles are prohibited, and does not require a licence and registration.

To legally ride in Cairns, you need to make sure your e-bike fulfils one of the following:

• It should have an electric motor that does not exceed 200W.
• In the case of a Pedelec or EPAC (electronically power-assisted cycle), it should not exceed 250W (power should cut out at 25 KPH).

Learn more about electric bike rules and regulations in Queensland here. 

Cairns is a tropical oasis with months that are categorised into two seasons: a dry season with occasional light showers and a wet season that is prone to heavy monsoon rains.

Its weather is consistently warm no matter the season, which is perfect for outdoor activities or simply basking in the sun. If you are planning to visit the city, be sure to pack sunscreen and light clothing. 

However, its tropical climate means that humidity is high all year round, which can sometimes lead to sudden changes in the weather. So even if the day starts out sunny, it’s best to be prepared for possible rain showers in the afternoon. 

Keep your ride safe from drizzles and downpours with highly-efficient brakes and durable tyres that retain strong traction even on wet ground. That said, if you’re going to ride on difficult surfaces frequently, we recommend investing in a good fat-tyre electric bike.

If Cairns lacks in vehicular infrastructure, it makes up for having a wide network of bicycle tracks. Found all over the city, these tracks are designed to link up all beaches, creating a strategic and enjoyable way to ride while sightseeing.

With its diverse terrain, there is a lot awaiting electric bike enthusiasts in this provincial city. Surrounded by bodies of water like the Coral Sea, Trinity Bay, and Cairns Estuary, there are plenty of opportunities for riding on waterfront walkways while taking in the view of the shimmering ocean. 

More adventurous riders can go off the road to experience the great outdoors, using an electric mountain bike to handle the demanding topography of the Wooroonooran National Park and the Barron Gorge National Park. 

If you prefer a balance between challenging and leisurely rides, take your bike to one of the city’s gently rolling hills like Mt. St. Patrick, Esplanade Park, and the hiking trails of the Atherton Tablelands. These areas are perfect for a cruiser e-bike or gravel e-bike.

Then again, even novice riders can have fun riding in the city, as a good part of the suburbs are located on mostly flat floodplains. In this case, if commuting is your primary riding need, a strong commuter e-bike should suffice.

If you’re looking to tour the city on your electric bike, we recommend following a route that includes these places:

• Palm Cove and Trinity Beach
• Barron Gorge
• Crystal Cascades
• Copperlode Dam
• The Bump Track, Port Douglas
• Davies Creek Trail Network, Mareeba

Our list is by no means exhaustive, as there are still many more experiences to be had in Cairns. Thankfully, with your own electric bike, you have the freedom to go anywhere to embrace this paradise’s unique cultural and natural wonders.

As aforementioned, riding e bikes in Cairns is completely legal, but riders need to be aware of the city’s safety requirements:

• Wear an electric bike helmet that follows Australian standards
• Only carry a passenger if the bicycle is designed to carry passengers (both the cyclist and the passenger must wear a helmet)
• Your e-bike must have a working brake and warning devices (e.g. bell or horn)
• When riding at night, you must use your e-bike’s lights, which include a front white light, a rear red light, and a reflector.

Please check this link for more details.