Yes, electric bikes are legal in Australia! Bear in mind, however, that the rules and regulations surrounding e-Bikes and what is legally classified as an e-Bike vary slightly between states and territories.
Unless otherwise stated in a state or territory’s laws, e-Bikes are classified by the Australian Vehicle Standards as a “bicycle that has an auxiliary motor with a maximum power output not exceeding 250W without consideration for speed limits or pedal sensors” (source).
However, the motor wattage limit also depends on the type of e-Bike the vehicle is, such as if the e-Bike has a throttle included. You will be able to read more about these e-Bike distinctions later in the article.
Here are a few of the universal e-Bike rules across Australia:
It is compulsory to wear a helmet; not wearing one can result in a fine
E-Bikes must have a rear and front light
Riders can be fined if caught riding on a footpath
E-Bikes cannot exceed the maximum speed of 25 km/h (or, 15 mph)
Difference in rules/regulations between pedal assist and throttle e-bike in Australia
In Australia, e-Bikes are not determined by the Class system that the United States uses. Where the U.S. classifies Pedal Assist/Pedelec e-bikes as Class 1 and Throttle e-Bikes as Class 2, Australia allows for both types of e-bikes under its own set of rules.
First, let’s look at the distinction between pedal-assist and throttle. The electric drive system on a pedal-assist e-bike can only be activated through pedaling, and typically have a legal maximum speed of 25 km/h in areas like Europe and Australia (Australia has largely modeled their e-Bike rules around Europe’s system).
Throttle on-demand e-bikes can be activated through a throttle element such as grip-twist, button, or trigger. Some e-bikes with throttle still require pedaling in order to propel themselves, but some e-Bikes do not require this and can propel themselves based on throttle alone.
However, Australian standards across the board make it clear that an e-bike with a throttle must rely on pedaling power as its main power source.
Riders should consider that the maximum speed is higher in the U.S. and Canada, averaging out at 32 km/h, and motor wattage can range up to 750W is allowed in certain areas – thus, e-bikes in these areas are designed to meet these limits.
With that in mind, Australian riders should be careful if purchasing their e-bikes from outside Australia, in order to ensure the motor wattage and speed limit meet Australian standards.
In Australia, pedal-assist (or “pedelec”) e-bikes are limited to a motor wattage of 250W, and a speed of 25 km/h and have to be EN15194-certified, which is short for the European Standard for Power Assisted Pedal Cycles. Australian riders should ensure they read over the EN15194 document before purchasing their pedelec e-bike.
Read also: Best known e-bike brands in Australia – in this article. And, Best specialized electric bike insurance companies in Australia – in this article.
With throttle e-bikes, the motor must cut out at 25 km/h and must have a motor wattage of 200W. In Australia, legal throttle e-bikes also include those that do not require pedaling for an initial take-off.
Any e-bike that exceeds these respective regulations will be legally classified as a motor vehicle, wherein a separate system of road rules and laws apply.
Difference in rules/regulations between a traditional e-bike and speed e-bike in Australia
From 2012 onwards, Australia updated its laws to reflect European e-Bike standards, stating that the maximum speed of an e-Bike is 25 km/h. As well, the maximum motor wattage that a pedelec e-Bike can have is 250W.
A “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle”, also known as a speed e-Bike, differs from a traditional e-Bike in that its motor provides higher top speeds, often around 45 km/h (28 miles per hour).
Read also: What is the difference between a regular e-bike and a speed e-bike? – in this article. And, is it legal to derestrict electric bicycle speed? – in this article.
Since this speed greatly exceeds the Australian limit of 25 km/h, e-Bike riders will not be able to gain the benefit of higher speeds on a speed e-Bike and may risk breaking speed laws if using one.
Therefore, Australian riders should stick to traditional e-Bikes which meet Australian motor and speed classifications.
Difference in rules/regulations between traditional (human-powered) and electric bike
In Australia, a pedal cycle is classified as a vehicle that is designed to be propelled through a mechanism solely by human power, indicative of a traditional bicycle. A power-assisted pedal cycle is a pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors, indicative of an electric bicycle.
Depending on the state or territory, e-Bike laws may be the same as traditional bicycle laws, so long as the rider’s e-Bike abides by appropriate state and country regulations.
For the most part, e-Bikes that fall under the classification of a power-assisted pedal cycle (whether pedelec or throttle) will follow the same road rules as traditional bicycles, whereas motorized vehicles will follow the same road rules as motorcycles.
Need for an e-bike license / registration
If you are riding an e-Bike that abides by the EN15194 and state/territory laws, no license or registration is required in Australia. However, any vehicle that exceeds these regulations will be registered as a road vehicle, which would require a driving license.
Need for e-bike insurance
There are currently no laws or requirements for insurance on an e-Bike that is legally classified as one. However, it is still advisable to purchase insurance in order for riders to cover possible damage, liability, injury, or theft.
Read also: How to select insurance for your e-bike? – in this article. And, Does it make sense to buy specialized insurance for an electric bike? – in this article.
Difference by States
Australia has six states and three internal territories. Though e-Bikes are legal in all states in territories (source), there are currently no official specialized rules listed for its territories, which include the Northern Territory,Jervis Bay Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Here is a list of the known rules and regulations surrounding e-Bikes in the respective states of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, and South Australia.
New South Wales (NSW) e-Bike laws allow for two classes of e-Bikes. What many riders may recognize as a pedelec/pedal assist e-Bike and throttle e-Bikes are instead classified as “pedelec” and “electric bikes”, respectively.
NSW states that an e-Bike must fall into the following classifications in order to ride on all roads and designated cycling areas:
250w pedelec bikes, with speed, limited to 25km/h and is EN15194-certified
200w electric bikes, with motor cutting out at 25km/h, which may be fitted with a throttle wherein no pedaling is required for an initial take-off
Motor-assisted pedal cycles with electric engines only do not need to be registered if their maximum output is less than 250W. Those who are exempt from registration are required to follow the same rules as traditional bicycles, whereas vehicles that require registration (eg. that exceed 250W) will be treated the same as motorcycles and thus will be subject to motorcycle road laws. As well, petrol-powered bicycles are banned in NSW as of 2014.
For further information about rules surrounding power-assisted bicycles, you can access the NSW Vehicle Standard Information here.
Victoria
Victoria e-Bike laws are the same as that of NSW, where electric bikes are allowed to run on a maximum motor of 200W, and pedelecs are allowed to run on 250W between a speed limit of 6 km/h and 25 km/h. A bicycle that is made to be propelled by human-powered pedaling is allowed to have an electric or petrol-powered motor attached, as long as its maximum power output does not exceed 200W.
As of 2012, a pedelec e-Bike is treated the same as a traditional bicycle and thus must follow traditional bicycle road laws. Riders should, again, ensure that their pedelec e-Bike meets the EN15194 standards.
To read more rules about e-Bike laws in Victoria, you can access further resources on the official government website here.
Queensland
In Queensland, there are two types of motorized bicycles allowed on the road:
Electric bikes, with a maximum of 200W and pedals, must be the primary source of power
Pedelec (a variant spelling of pedelec) bikes must be EN15194-certified
When understanding what falls under the class of a motorized bicycle, the pedals have to be the primary source of power for the vehicle. This means that the motor attached should only operate when the rider pedals, with the only exception of helping it run in the initial take-off with no more than a 6km/h limit.
In general, the motors from these e-Bikes should only assist the rider to pedal and must not exceed the 25km/h speed limit. If the motor is the primary source, then the vehicle cannot be classified as a motorized bicycle and may be subject to different road laws and rules.
Motorized bicycles can be used on all roads and paths, except for where traditional bicycles are specifically excluded.
For further information about bicycle road rules, you can visit the Queensland Government page here.
South Australia
South Australia’s e-Bike laws are similar to that of New South Wales. It islegal to ride an e-Bike if the rider meets one of the following requirements:
Power-assisted bicycles using an electric motor and a power output not exceeding 200W (the power should be controlled by either throttle or accelerator)
Power-assisted bicycles, or pedelecs, using an electric motor and a power output not exceeding the 250W of continuous power, which should be EN15194-certified
Traditional bicycle rules apply for e-Bike riders in South Australia. For more e-Bike laws, visit the South Australia government website here.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, the laws on e-bikes are the same for all cyclists: whether utilizing a human-propelled bike (traditional) or a power-assisted pedal cycle (electric), the speed should not exceed over the 250w power output, regardless if the power motor is running or not.
For further information about Western Australia’s regulations surrounding e-Bikes, visit the government page here.
Tasmania
Tasmania is a state that has similar rules to South Australia and NSW. Riders are allowed to ride a power-assisted bike if it meets one of either of these requirements:
A power-assisted bike with a maximum power of 200W. The motor may be operated by a throttle or an accelerator
A pedelec that isEN 15194 compliant, wherein the power output should not exceed 250w
For more information about Tasmanian e-Bike laws, visit the official government website here.
Where can you ride an e-Bike in Australia? Types of roads and paths
For e-Bikes to be considered a bicycle that is suitable for the road, they need to meet the legal requirements that abide by each respective state’s laws. Aside from footpaths, there are no legal limits on roads and paths for e-Bikes unless explicitly stated.
Road laws must be followed strictly: riders should ensure that both their e-Bikes suit the necessary requirements and that they follow the road laws, otherwise they can be charged for traffic offenses.
Read also: Check out Australia’s best travel destinations by electric bike in this overview article.
A few words in conclusion
For the most part, e-Bike rules and regulations are similar across the board in Australia. Riders should ensure that they properly understand the laws that classify what an e-Bike is in this country, and should be sure to follow safety standards and practice the appropriate road rules of the state or territory they are riding in.
Read also: Ever considered offering e-bike as a gift? Or gifting one to yourself? Check out our suggestions – in this e-bike gift guide.
There are also E-bikes that support up to 45km/h (28 mph). These are referred to as pedelecs. An E-bike can surpass the speed of its support level, but the motor stops supporting you when you reach the max speed limitation.
Do I need a driving license? If you're riding an ebike that abides by the laws described above (EN15194) you are able to ride an electric bike without a driving license. If the bike is overpowered technically it will need to be registered as it is classified as a road vehicle and you would require a driving license.
As reiterated by the Manila Metropolitan Development Authority, e-bikes now require LTO registration. This requirement stems from the newly implemented RA 11697 or Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act. To help you with this, we made a step-by-step guide on how to register your e-bike in the Philippines in 2022.
Electric bikes (EAPC's) are an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative means of transport for drivers who are disqualified from driving. Electric bikes that meet certain specific technical requirements do not need to be registered, insured, taxed and no licence is required to ride them.
Most e-bikes are street legal, as long as the motor's power is under 750 watts. E-bike laws vary from state to state. If you want to ride trails on an electric mountain bike, you will likely need to find a trail made specifically for e-bikes.
In Australia, legal throttle e-bikes also include those that do not require pedaling for an initial take-off. Any e-bike that exceeds these respective regulations will be legally classified as a motor vehicle, wherein a separate system of road rules and laws apply.
PMDs refer to devices such as kick-scooters, electric scooters, hoverboards, unicycles etc. *Motorized PMD is not allowed on footpath. PMAs refer to devices such as wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs or mobility scooters which are designed to carry an individual who is unable to walk or has walking difficulties.
You can ride a motorised bicycle on all roads and paths, except where bicycles are prohibited. There are two types of legal motorised bicycles: A bicycle with an electric motor capable of generating no more than 200 watts of power.
L1a vehicles are only allowed on barangay roads, crossing national roads, and on bicycle lanes. Upgrade to an L1b or L2a-class e-bike or e-moped and you can stay on the outermost part of local roads, cross main thoroughfares and national highways.
Do I need to wear a helmet on an electric scooter? Yes, you should always wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. Electric scooters, even budget ones, allow you to ride at your maximum speed most of the time. Most electric scooters will do at least 15 mph and many can exceed 30 mph.
These are the two ways to register: At www.onemotoring.com.sg/escooter (you will need your SingPass or CorpPass) Any SingPost Post Office from January 2 to June 30, 2019.
I understand that there is no special provision at present under the Highway Code for electric bicycles and that they are treated the same way as ordinary cycles. That being the case a breath test would not be appropriate, since its use is connected with driving a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol.
The electric scooter is a powered vehicle (technically a Personal Light Electric Vehicle), and therefore unlike the e-bike, it is classed as a motor vehicle under the road traffic legislation.
The average price to buy an electric bike is between $600 and $1,000. There are also many eBike models that are much more expensive than $1,000, with some costing as much as $8,000. The typical eBike rider will pay around $1,000 for their ride.
Class 1: eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. Class 2: eBikes that also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted. Class 3: eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.
You can ride an electric bike if you're 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements. These electric bikes are known as 'electrically assisted pedal cycles' ( EAPCs ). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.
Its get worse: Stealth bikes are essentially electric motorbikes and are illegal in Australia. You can't ride them as bicycles on paths or on streets. The motors are 5200 watts, and the top speed is 80kph. A legal ebike is 250 watts or less.
E-bikes that have a throttle, on the other hand, work similarly to a motorcycle or scooter. If the throttle is turned on, the motor will propel the bike forward without you even having to pedal. There are a few different types of throttle configurations, ranging from thumb throttle to full twist throttle.
Yes, you can retrofit a throttle to most e-bikes IF they have a hub-mounted motor and compatible controller, BUT, you will struggle to fit a throttle to an ebike that has a mid-drive motor as it relies on the rider to pedal before the motor would kick in.
If your e-bike is classified under L2b, L3, L4, and L5, then it needs to be registered with the LTO and its driver must possess a valid driver's license as stated above. E-bikes that can reach a maximum speed of up to 50 kph, those with a pedal, and electric kick scooters do not require license and registration.
There's no specific speed limit for cycle tracks, but if you're regularly doing more than 15mph you're better off on the road. Give way to pedestrians, and take extra care around children, dog-walkers using extendable leads, and joggers with headphones.
Cycling speed limits were introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, and were set at 20 miles per hour. Once this limit became the subject of frequent breaches, it was increased to 30 miles per hour. Since that date there have been no changes to make cyclists stick to the same regulations.
So if you know the amperage and the voltage of a battery, you can calculate the max MPH the e-bike can travel. If 36V is paired with 10 amp-hour, the resulting 360 Watt-hour can help you travel as fast as 15-20 mph. A 36V battery with a 15 amp-hour can produce 504 watts which will propel you to about 25 mph.
Generally speaking, most electric bikes do not charge as you pedal. They require their lithium-ion battery packs to be plugged into a power outlet in order to receive a charge.
As a general rule, an Electric bike Battery should last about 2-4 years. The battery charges for 3.5 to 6 hours, and when it is fully charged it lasts 15-100 miles of riding. With good care and maintenance, the battery should last years and work well on daily rides.
You should typically expect a battery to last between 3 and 5 years if it is well maintained. (A lithium battery will slowly lose its capacity over time, even if it's not used.) Below are three things you can do to ensure you get the longest usage out of your electric bike battery.
As long as your e-bike is classified as an EAPC, you don't need a license to ride it, you're not required to get insurance, register or tax it. That's handy news for riders, as it will save plenty of money: taxing, insuring and registering motorised vehicles can cost thousands of pounds.
One of the most common questions is whether or not you can ride an electric bike without pedaling. Charge City and Comfort models incorporate a throttle, which enables riding without pedaling up to a speed of 20 mph.
You must have the category Q entitlement on your driving licence to use an e-scooter. A full or provisional UK licence for categories AM, A or B includes entitlement for category Q. If you have one of these licences, you can use an e-scooter.
The A1 Motorcycle Licence is available for people aged 17 or above who only want to ride a scooter/moped or motorbike with a maximum engine size of up to 125cc. Many people consider the A1 licence as a so called “permanent CBT”, with the added privilege of being able to use motorways, and carry pillion passenger's.
Generally electric mopeds are restricted to 28mph (45kmh). These are seen in the same way as a 50cc petrol moped. As a moped, they can be ridden by any rider 16 or over who has either passed a CBT course or has category AM or P on their existing driver licence.
The laws for e-bikes in Australia are quite simple. To be ridden on public roads, e-bikes must:Have a motor that is 250 watts or less.If it has a throttle (that powers the bike without pedalling), have a motor that is 200 watts or less.
In Australia the legal speed limit for ebikes is 25km/h. This doesn't mean that when you ride down a section of steep hill that you will not exceed this speed limit, just simply that the motor will not be propelling you down the hill but rather gravity.
Do I need a driving license? If you're riding an ebike that abides by the laws described above (EN15194) you are able to ride an electric bike without a driving license. If the bike is overpowered technically it will need to be registered as it is classified as a road vehicle and you would require a driving license.
As reiterated by the Manila Metropolitan Development Authority, e-bikes now require LTO registration. This requirement stems from the newly implemented RA 11697 or Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act. To help you with this, we made a step-by-step guide on how to register your e-bike in the Philippines in 2022.
Power assisted bicycles are likely to have similar performance characteristics to pedal powered bicycles so the same road rules apply. These types of power assisted bicycles are not required to be registered nor the rider required to be licensed.
The Sur-Ron Light Bee is not just fun, it is fast, cool-looking and of course, requires a helmet to ride. But here comes the best part… No licence is required to ride this electric dirt bike in Australia! Lucky for you, these high-performance dirt bikes are legal to ride in Australia without a licence.
Power assisted bicycles are likely to have similar performance characteristics to pedal powered bicycles so the same road rules apply. These types of power assisted bicycles are not required to be registered nor the rider required to be licensed.
Under the Australian Vehicle Standards, e-bikes can be ridden on the road if the motor does not provide more than 250 watts of maximum continuous power.
Just like in QLD, legal electric bikes in Victoria are categorized into two. One is the low-powered e-bike that has a motor output that's not exceeding 200W. The other one is the pedelec which has a combined power output of 250W, and a max speed of 25km/h.
Among these three, Stealth and Sur-Ron have the longest range. Though they are not street-legal, the good part is you do not need a licence to ride them off-road.
It must have pedals, and its motor should not propel the bike once it hits speeds of 15.5mph. If it's not an EAPC and is propelled without pedalling, it will be classified as a motorcycle or moped. As a result, you'll need a driving licence to ride one, and it'll also need to be registered, taxed and insured.
On most e-bikes, only one person can pedal while the other person is just there for the ride. However, there are a few electric bike models that two people can pedal and ride simultaneously. One such model is the Tandem. It is an electric bike made by Pedego electric bikes.
Its get worse: Stealth bikes are essentially electric motorbikes and are illegal in Australia. You can't ride them as bicycles on paths or on streets. The motors are 5200 watts, and the top speed is 80kph. A legal ebike is 250 watts or less.
An electric bicycle, also known as an e-bike, is a type of vehicle and can be assisted by power when riding. You can ride an electric bike on all Queensland roads and paths, except where bicycles are prohibited. When riding, you have rights and responsibilities like all road users.
The electric scooter is a powered vehicle (technically a Personal Light Electric Vehicle), and therefore unlike the e-bike, it is classed as a motor vehicle under the road traffic legislation.
How fast is 1000-watt in MPH? A 1000-watt electric bike will take you at speeds of up to roughly 35mph, varying depending on factors such as weight, terrain, and personal preference.
The systems that you can easily adapt are those with pedal motors. These include Bosch, Brose, Bafang, Yamaha motors, 36V Panasonic central motors, etc. Anyway, there are many alternatives on the market to unlock your bike, so almost all E-Bike models can be modified.
Unlike other Australian jurisdictions, Victoria does not have a specific offence consisting of riding a bicycle whilst intoxicated. Furthermore, police do not have the power to breath test a person on a bike, but only a person in charge of a motor vehicle.
Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
