It’s no question that the popularity of electric bikes in Australia has surged significantly over the years. This amount of growth has led to a number of brands offering a wide range of electric bike models, undoubtedly taking over Australia’s bike market.

One common question these days is this: are electric bikes legal in Australia? The answer is yes. However, there are still laws and regulations that must be followed before one can take their electric bike on the road. To help you learn more about such laws and regulations, this legal guide will explain the varying laws each Australian state is implementing.

Electric Bike Laws by State

For an electric bike to still be classified as a bicycle suitable for riding on roads and paths, it should have a certain limitation on its wattage. It should abide by the Australian Road Rules, and also meet the criteria one state sets. Failing to do so might result to offenses and fines.

E-bike state laws can be similar, but with slight differences on specific aspects. Let’s take a look at each of them.

Queensland E-Bike Law

According to QLD’s bicycle road rules, one can “ride a motorized bicycle on all roads and paths, except where bicycles are prohibited”. A legal motorized bicycle must be one of the following:

• A bicycle with an electric motor/motors that generates no more than 200W of power in total, and has pedal assist

• A “pedalec”, or a type of electric bicycle which is powered by a 250W motor, with a top speed of 25km/h. Once the motor cuts out at the speed limit, the pedals must be used to power the motor. Additionally, the pedalec should be EN15194 compliant.

In addition, a non-pedalec’s source of power must be the pedals. This means that at speeds of 6km/h and below, the motor can operate even without pedaling, just to initiate take-off. Once the speed goes beyond 6km/h, the rider must start pedaling, making the motor a pedal assist. Speed is capped at 25km/h, and the rider can continue to pedal like in a standard bicycle once they go beyond the limit.

New South Wales (NSW) E-Bike Law

As the NSW E-bike law states, electric bikes that meet the following requirements are “permitted to be used on public roads and road-related areas”. Bikes that are powered by petrol and other e-bikes that do not meet the requirements are not permitted, and should only be used on private property.

The two types of e-bikes permitted in NSW are as follows:

• The power-assisted pedal cycles that have one or two motors attached, with a total output of 200W. These e-bikes cannot be driven exclusively by motor. The motor should only serve as assistance when going uphill or other conditions that require.

• The electrically power-assisted cycles (EPACs, formerly referred to as “pedalec”) that has maximum power of 250W. The power output must be reduced as the e-bike’s speed increases. The motor must cut off at 25km/h or when the rider stops pedaling.

South Australia E-Bike Law

South Australia’s e-bike laws and regulations are similar to QLD’s and NSW’s. For a power assisted bicycle to be permitted on the road, it must fall under these two categories:

• A power assisted bicycle with an electric motor that has a total output of up to 200W and its power should be controlled by a throttle or an accelerator.

• A power-assisted bicycle with an electric motor that does not exceed 250W of continuous power (pedalec), and power should be controlled by pedaling.

E-bike riders are not required to have a license, but must follow the same rules that apply to the traditional bicycles.

Tasmania E-Bike Law

Similar to South Australia and NSW, Tasmania allows two kinds of electric bikes on the road and foot paths, across pedestrians, except when it has a No Bicycles sign.

The two types of e-bikes allowed are the power-assisted bike with an output of up to 200W powered by a throttle or an accelerator for initial takeoff, and the EN15194-compliant pedalec that has an output of 250W.

As stated in the previous states’ laws and regulations, speed is capped at 25km/h, and a pedalec’s motor should cut off when it reaches the top speed. The rider can continue to pedal as they would with a traditional bicycle.

Victoria E-Bike Law

Just like in NSW, power assisted bicycles have two definitions in Victoria.

• A bicycle with one or more motors that produce an output not exceeding 200W.

• An electrically powered-assisted cycle (EPAC), that has a maximum continued power of 250W. An EPAC’s power assist should reduce as its speed increases, and power must cut off once it reaches the legally accepted top speed of 25km/h. This type of electric bike requires the rider to pedal to access the power.

Once these criteria are met, an e-bike shall be classed as bicycles, and are legal on Victorian roads.

Western Australia E-Bike Law

Western Australia’s e-bike laws are very similar to other states. Both the power assisted pedal assist cycles (PAPCs) and pedelecs must cut out its power assistance at 25km/h, and the width or load of the e-bike must not exceed 660mm.

Wheelchairs, scooters, skateboards, Segways, or any vehicle with a motor output exceeding 250W are not legal on roads and oaths, and should only be operated in private properties.

North Territory E-Bike Law

North Territory do not have specific e-bike laws, but they do have rules and regulations cyclists should follow. To find out more about these cycling rules, and to get updated on their e-bike laws in the future, you can visit their official government website.

As you may have noticed in these state laws, electric bike wattages are usually capped at 200W and 250W. It is a good thing that there are various Australian electric bike distributors that offer models in these specifications, and can be legally and safely used on roads and pedestrians. They also offer additional safety tips that every rider should follow and take to heart.

Final Thoughts

As advancements on electric bikes and other electric rideables continuously take place, the Australian government is always working to stay on top and provide amendments on existing laws. It is true that this electric ride has provided convenience to many, and will continue to do so in the coming years. There is a high potential that electric bikes are the future of Australian transportation, and we must all work to provide safer roads for everyone in the process.