Getting ready to take your electric bike for a ride? It’s a good idea to educate yourself on all the ins and outs of Australia’s rules and regulations when it comes to getting out on the road. Whilst Australia is undoubtedly a bike friendly location, there are a few nuances from state to state to stay aware of in order to make sure you are following government requirements. Electric bikes also carry their own code of conduct as they are a newer technology. Australia classifies electric bikes as bicycles and not motor vehicles. There is a specific list of criteria that breaks this down:

Power Output 

Under Australian law, electric bikes must operate on a pedal-assisted system, which should only run when the cyclist is using the bike. 

Speed Limit 

The motor that assists the pedalling mechanisms of an electric bike is generally limited to a maximum of 25 kilometres per hour, or 15.5 miles. 

Battery Wattages

In New South Wales, the legal battery wattage is 500 watts, whilst in all other states it is 250 watts. These limits mean that your electric bike is road legal and you don’t need to carry a license or registration in order to ride. 

The DiroDi Rover range from NG Mobility has road riding capability, with an additional 1000 wattage motor which can only be used for riding on private property. You can enjoy this extra capacity with the classic model, and also with the DiroDi Rover Plus. 

Honbike electric bike features a 250-watt motor and a 40km to 100km range. The coveted UNI4 Long Range electric Commuter Bike has a 25 km speed capacity for effortless road riding that aligns with national speed regulations. 

Electric Rules By State 

New South Wales 

You can ride your electric bike on the road in New South Wales, however, you cannot ride on motorways or on cycle paths made exclusively for pedal cyclists. 

There are specific electric bike regulations for use on public roads, power of motors should decrease whilst speed increases and cap at 25 km/hour or when pedalling stops, this is a firm speed limit that needs to be followed in order for your ride to be legal. Cyclists must be at least 14 years old and wear a helmet.

South Australia 

In South Australia, electric bikes have a maximum of 250 wattages, with the motor reducing as speed increases above 6 km/hour, once again limited to 25 km/hour or when pedalling stops. Riders must wear a helmet and make sure their bike has an effective braking system as well as an audible warning device, a reflective night badge and a front and rear light. You do not need a license or registration to ride an electric bike in South Australia. 

Victoria 

Victoria requires that all electric bikes adhere to a firm 200 wattage cap, and if your electric bike exceeds this limit or has the capacity to travel over 25 kilometres per hour you may need to register your bike as you would have to do with a motorcycle and secure a licence to ride. 

Queensland 

Electric bikes are welcome on bike paths, shared tracks and some pedestrian only pathways in Queensland, but they are not permitted on roads where bicycles are not welcome. You do not need a licence or registration to ride an eBike, but there is a wattage limit of 200 watts for pedal-assist bikes and 250 for eBikes with the motor capping at 25 km per hour. 

Western Australia 

eBikes and pedal assist bikes are legal in Western Australia, with a 200 power watt limit for pedal assist vehicles. The maximum speed is 24 kilometres per hour on flat locations and 30 kilometres per hour downhill. 

Tasmania 

Tasmania welcomes both pedal-assisted bikes and eBikes on the roads, with a 200 wattage limit for assisted rides and 250 watts for electric models. 
Discover the range of electric bikes for sale in Australia with NG Mobility.