Innovative, sustainable and efficient, electric bikes have soared in popularity over the past decade. State by state within Australia, the legalities of the two-wheeler tend to vary. To enhance your riding experience, get up to speed on the electric bike laws here in Australia and understand how they may impact you.
Electric Bike Classification
In Australia, electric bikes are considered bicycles rather than motor vehicles. This classification is determined by the fact that electric bikes rely more on human pedalling power than they do on their in-built electric motor. The following criteria are used to differentiate electric bikes from other motor-driven models:
Power Output: The electric motor of an electric bike must have a power output that maxes out at 250 watts. This limit is a large determinant in eBikes maintaining their bicycle categorisation under Australian law.
Speed Limit: An electric motor must be limited to 25 kilometres per hour, with assistance automatically cutting off once the speed capacity has been reached.
Pedal Assistance: Electric bikes must operate on a pedal-assist system, with an electric motor only supplementing movement when the rider is pedalling.
Legal Rules for Electric Bikes: State by State
New South Wales
Electric bikes can be ridden on roads where bikes are permitted, with some limitations, including no riding on motorways or cycle paths made for pedal-only cycles. NSW allows eBikes on public roads, but the speed must be cut off at 25 km/h (500w). Riders must be 14 years old or older and wear a helmet.
Victoria
Electric bikes must adhere to limitations such as 25 km/h speed capacity and 250 watt power motor caps in order to be considered bicycles. When a bike can exceed these numbers, it must undergo a registration process similar to that of a motorcycle. Riders may need to acquire a licence to legally ride them, and there are substantial fines and consequences if the laws are not followed. Victoria allows Bikes in dedicated lanes and pathways.
Queensland
Electric bikes are heavily encouraged in the Sunshine State. They are welcome on bike paths, shared tracks and a few pedestrian-only pathways. They are not permitted on roads. General bicycle road rules must be followed, you do not need to acquire a licence to ride, and your electric motor can assist you when pedalling with a power limitation of up to 250 watts with the motor cutting off at 25 km/h.
South Australia
South Australia requires pedal-assisted bikes to have a maximum power output of 250 watts and a 25 km/h speed capacity. The bike cannot be exclusively fuelled by the motor and must be power-assisted, with a tare weight of less than 50 kg, an adjustable seat and an established brake system. Bikes with internal combustion engines are not considered power-assisted models and cannot be ridden on roads or road-related locations. If your model meets the criteria, you do not need a licence or registration to ride your electric bike.
Western Australia
Electric bikes are a popularised mode of transport in Western Australia. They are legal as long as their maximum power output is limited to 250 watts, and their speed limit is 25 km/h on flat terrain and 30 km/h when travelling downhill. Their engines can be either electric or petrol-powered. Anyone over the age of 16 is permitted to ride alone without a licence. They can be ridden on public roads and shared paths, making them highly popular in the state.
Tasmania
Power-assisted pedal cycle models must sit within the established limit of 250 watts output in Tasmania, and a throttle or accelerator can assist in controlling the motor. The primary source of output should, however, be provided through the efforts of a rider’s pedalling.
At NG Mobility, you will discover a collection of electric bikes with wattage spanning from 250 - 1000 watts. The scope covers a world of different riding locations, from on-road areas to dedicated bike paths, off-road terrain and privately owned property. Explore the curation to find the best fit for you and how you like to ride.