Australian Regulations

Victoria

A power assisted bicycle is identical to a pedal powered bicycle, except it has an auxiliary motor. Power assisted bicycles have two definitions in Victoria:

  • A bicycle with one or more auxiliary motors attached which has a combined maximum ungoverned continuous rated power output not exceeding 200 watts.
  • An electrically power-assisted cycle (EPAC). These are pedal cycles with an electric motor that has a maximum continued rated power of 250 watts. The power-assistance progressively reduces as the speed increases and cuts off once a top speed of 25 kilometres per hour is reached. EPACs require the rider to pedal to access the power. 

Power assisted bicycles that meet the above definition are allowed to be ridden in Victoria as they are classed as bicycles.

New South Wales

An electrically power-assisted cycle has a maximum continued rated power of 250 watts. This power output must be:

  • Progressively reduced as the bicycle’s speed increases beyond 6km/h
  • Cut off when:
    • The bicycle reaches a speed of 25km/h; or
    • The rider stops pedalling and the travel speed exceeds 6km/h.

These vehicles are legal on NSW roads if they:

  • Comply with the applicable vehicle standards
  • Are registered
  • Are ridden by licensed riders.

Western Australia

Western Australians have embraced the use of electric rideable devices (ERDs), also known as eRideables, personal mobility devices and electric or e-scooters, for transport and fun.

The WA Government recognises the safety risks, as well as the convenient travel choice ERDs offer and has amended the Road Traffic Code 2000 to facilitate the safe use of ERDs in line with public expectation.

Electric or e-scooters, electric unicycles, electric skateboards, electric roller-skates, one-wheel electric scooters and hoverboards are classified as ERDs.

The maximum speed for ERDs on bike and shared paths and local roads has been set at 25km/h, which is consistent with regulations in Queensland, the ACT and New Zealand, and is the same speed at which the power output on electric bikes cuts out.

The speed limit on footpaths and in pedestrian areas, however, is much lower at 10km/h reflecting the speed differential between different path user groups.

Riders are required to give way to pedestrians and keep to the left of oncoming bicycle riders or other ERD users. They are not permitted to travel on a separated footpath designated for the use of pedestrians.

Other new rules for ERDs and their users include:

  • Riders of higher powered electric rideable devices must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Riders must wear an approved helmet, use lights and reflectors at night and have a working warning device.
  • The same mobile phone and drink and drug driving rules apply as for motor vehicle drivers.

Under existing Western Australian rules, children under the age of 16 years are permitted to use motorised scooters that have a maximum power output of 200w and maximum speed of 10 km/h.

For more information, consult the Road Safety Commission website.

South Australia

In South Australia, there are two categories of power assisted bicycles that may be used legally on our roads:

  • power assisted bicycles with an electric motor with a power output of up to 200 Watts and the power is controlled by either a throttle or an accelerator
  • power assisted bicycles with an electric motor with a power output of not more than 250 Watts of continuous power, which meets the definition of a pedelec (the power is controlled by the rider using the pedals).

Riders do not require a driver's licence, motor vehicle registration or compulsory third-party insurance. Riders are bound by the same rules as for other bicycles, including the need for:

  • the rider to wear a helmet
  • effective brakes
  • a bell, or other audible warning device
  • a rear-facing red reflector at night
  • a white light to the front and a red light to the rear at night (both may flash) clearly visible from at least 200 metres.

Queensland

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.

You must follow the bicycle road rules and obey the general road rules.

You don’t need a licence to ride an electric bike and they don’t need registration or compulsory third-party insurance.

At speeds up to 6km/h, the electric motor can operate without you pedalling. The motor can help you when you first take off.

At speeds above 6km/h, you must pedal to keep the bicycle moving with the motor providing pedal-assist only.

When you reach a speed of 25km/h the motor must stop operating (cut out) and you need to pedal to stay above 25km/h like a bicycle.

 

*Each state and territory have their own specific regulations and laws that may apply to our products, including where you can legally use such products, and whether you need to register them with your local road traffic authority. Please be sure to familiarise yourself with your state or territories specific guidelines before riding!