Collection: Electric Bikes in Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s cultural heartland. With scenery ranging from skyscrapers, narrow laneways & urban sprawl to vast, open areas of cycle paths, walking tracks, and parks, Melbourne offers something for everyone. 

As a culturally diverse city, Melbourne excels in progressive movements on social matters and has a vibrant arts & culture scene. 

In Victoria, electric bikes are considered similar to pedal-powered bicycles. Thus, the rider does not need to be licensed, nor does the bicycle need to be registered. 

You can legally ride your e-bike in Melbourne as long as its motor achieves a maximum ungoverned continuous power output of 200W. In the case of EPAC (electrically power-assisted cycle), the state allows a maximum continued rated power of 250W, which cuts off at 25 KPH. 

Electric bikes are legal to use on a variety of infrastructure, including bicycle paths and lanes, footpaths and shared paths, roads, bus lanes (unless otherwise signed), and the shoulders of some rural freeways.

Where Can’t You Ride?

You can't ride your electric bike on urban freeways or any roads where signs indicate bicycles are not permitted.

Are Helmets Required?

Yes, as with any form of personal travel, whether that be scooters, skateboards, or rollerblades, you need to wear an approved electric bike helmet. It’s a legal requirement, but apart from that, it is generally good advice. The vast majority of serious e-bike injuries & fatalities across Victoria come from riders who decided against wearing a helmet. Ultimately, no hairstyle is worth risking your life – wear a helmet. 

What is the Alcohol Limit for E-Bikes?

While an exact BAC limit hasn’t been explicitly specified, riders are being told that riding under the influence is considered illegal. That’s a bit of a legal grey area and it simply isn’t worth the risk. When you’re riding under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, your balance and reaction time decrease. On top of that, your decision-making abilities are impaired so you are more likely to take risks. Overall, this greatly increases your chance of being involved in an accident. Don’t drink and ride. 

Are Passengers Allowed?

The state does not prohibit e-bike riders from carrying a passenger, provided the latter must sit on a seat designed for passengers. Both cyclist and passenger must also wear a securely fitted helmet that complies with the Australian standard. 

Can I Use A Phone When I’m Riding an E-Bike?

Phones can be a distraction and cause accidents, just like when driving a car. Therefore, using a mobile phone while riding is prohibited, except for listening to music or making and receiving calls. However, the phone must be placed in a commercially-designed holder attached to the bike, so the rider can use it hands-free.

What Is the E-Bike Speed Limit in Victoria?

E-bike riders must respect a 25 KPH state-wide speed limit on all roads, although rider judgement is advised when riding through shared areas with lots of foot traffic. 

Victoria has some beautiful scenery, and now you can experience it on an electric bike. Whether you are commuting, cruising, or riding through off-road trails, here are some great places to visit on two wheels:

Albert Park

Albert Park is famous for being Melbourne’s Grand Prix circuit, but aside from that it is a stunning area of the city. Featuring slow, winding roads, a large lake, and numerous picnic areas, it is an ideal place to zip around with friends. It’s also close to St Kilda & Port Melbourne beaches as well as the city centre itself. 

St Kilda Beach, Port Melbourne & Beaconsfield Parade

During warmer months, these areas are crawling with sunbathers, families, groups of friends and tourists enjoying the hustle & bustle of seaside living. This does mean, unfortunately, that it is nearly impossible to find a parking space that doesn’t have a time limit on it. Worry not, however, as its long seaside bike paths that stretch halfway down the Mornington Peninsula and into the city itself make for superb riding areas. As they are relatively flat as well, you can enjoy them even with a lower-powered e-bike. Enjoy sunsets, smooth trails, and beautiful scenery at your leisure!

Yarra Bend Park

Located next to Collingwood in the city’s inner northeast, Yarra Bend Park is a large area of open parkland criss-crossed with talking tracks. Its proximity to the city means you can ride an e-bike there with ease, and spend your day there. It’s a heavy pedestrian area in warmer months, so remember to watch out for foot traffic and keep your speed down. 

EastLink Trail / Dandenong Creek Trail

Located about 25 KM east of Melbourne’s CBD, the Dandenong Creek Trail is a cycle track that stretches from Seaford, through Dandenong, and all the way up to Ringwood. While it requires some riding on the road at the beginning and the end of the trail, the heart of it consists of shared footpaths that wind through Melbourne’s suburbs. 

As you progress further north, you can also join the Eastlink Trail which takes you through Ringwood and back westwards towards the northern suburbs of Melbourne.

Gardiners Creek Trail

While the trail itself starts in Richmond in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs, it can be accessed from the CBD itself. It then stretches out towards Chadstone in Melbourne’s south-east. It is largely separate from roads and takes you from the inner city skyscrapers, past footy grounds & golf courses, and out to Melbourne’s biggest shopping centre. It’s a notable trail as it runs parallel to the Yarra River initially, giving some great views & scenery, plus you have the option to ride down a suspended walkway that hangs from the underside of the Monash Freeway. 

Williamstown

Williamstown is a seaside suburb located over the Westgate Bridge that boasts some delightfully pleasant sights. From the yachts and fishing boats of the harbour, to the HMAS Castlemaine, and a stunning view of Melbourne’s skyline, Williamstown is a beautiful spot to visit on an e-bike. Enjoy the sunset with some fish & chips.