E-bike Laws

National Guidelines (Australia-wide)

UnderAustralian Consumer Law and vehicle standards, an e-bike is legal for use on public roads if it meetsone of the following criteria:

1.Pedalec (EN15194 compliant)

• Max motor power:250W
• Must bepedal-assistedonly (motor cuts out above 25 km/h)
• Throttle only allowed to assist up to 6 km/h
• Regarded as a bicycle,no license, registration, or insurance required

2.Non-Pedalec (throttle-assist only)

• Max motor power:200W
• Motor can be throttle-operated (no pedal required)
• Also considered a bicycle under law

Anything above 250W or capable of speeds higher than 25 km/h using motor power aloneis considered a motor vehicle in most jurisdictions and may require registration, licensing, and insurance.

State-by-State Overview

New South Wales (NSW)

• Legal limit: 500W continuous power output
• Must wear an approved bicycle helmet
• Can ride on roads and cycle paths
• No registration or license needed if within legal limits

Victoria (VIC)

• Same as national standards
• 250W pedalecs allowed
• 200W throttle bikes allowed
• Anything more is classed as a motorbike

Queensland (QLD)

• 250W pedalec or 200W throttle e-bikes are legal
• Can ride on bike paths, shared footpaths, and roads
• Higher powered bikes need registration

Western Australia (WA)

• Same national rules apply
• Must comply with bicycle safety standards (lights, reflectors, helmet, etc.)
• Legal on bike paths and roads if compliant

South Australia (SA)

• 250W pedalec or 200W throttle legal
• Over this = motorbike classification
• Cannot use non-compliant bikes on public roads

Tasmania (TAS)

• National standards followed
• 250W pedal-assist or 200W throttle
• Higher powered bikes are considered motorcycles

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• 250W pedalecs allowed
• 200W throttle bikes allowed
• Must follow bike laws (helmet, bike lights, etc.)

Northern Territory (NT)

• More relaxed compared to others
• Generally follows national standards but enforces them less strictly
• Still recommended to ride only 250W pedalecs on public roads

 

Important Reminders

• Throttles over 6 km/hon 250W bikes = not legal unless limited
• Riding ahigh-powered e-bike (e.g. 500W+)on public roads is not legal unless registered as a motorbike
• Insurance is optionalbut worth considering (especially for higher-powered bikes used off-road)
• Always followlocal road rules and traffic laws(e.g. giving way, stop signs)