Electric bikes have provided many people with new possibilities to enjoy a safe and affordable ride. As they become more popular, the demand for the electric trips grows. This means that there will be more e-bikes on the road, and it is also necessary to control them.
People are still concerned about whether or not they are legal. They are still asking themselves, "Are electric bikes legal in Australia?" The answer is yes; however, regulations vary by state and territory. Laws and regulations differ by territory or city because the structures and conditions of traffic are unique. We recommend reading these electric bike laws in Australia, a guide for beginners that we prepared for you to properly ride your electric bike.
Electric Bikes Types
- Pedal-assisted bikes have a motor that only engages if the rider is pedalling. These are sometimes known as pedelecs.
- Throttle e-bikes use a throttle to engage motor power without needing to pedal. However, the throttle cuts out at higher speeds.
The Electric Bike Standards
Electric bikes should be qualified under the following standards:
- Having a pedal-assist system.
- Should be fitted with an electric motor rated at a maximum of 250 watts.
- Must have motor assistance to a maximum of 25 km/h.
In Australia, all E-bikes, or Pedelecs (EPACs), must meet the EN15194:2017 standard. This standard is several years old and widely used in Europe and around the world. It handles both the electrical and mechanical components of the bicycle. As pedelecs have more weight and higher stresses due to increased power and braking forces than a standard bicycle, the new EN15194:2017 includes testing on the entire bike, compared to the previous EN15194:2009, which only covered the motor.
General Electric Bike Laws in Australia
Australia has some of the world's best e-bike rides, and states and cities are growing more accommodating of electric bikes. But the question is, are electric bikes allowed in Australia? The answer is that they exist, but not everywhere. According to Australian law, an e-bike, or pedelec, is a bicycle that requires some pedalling assistance. The general laws in Australia governing electric bikes are consistent throughout.
The minimum safety requirement is helmets with front and rear lights; noncompliance may result in sanctions. What's fun and convenient about e-bikes is how many people have no idea about the laws. We will first review the general rules and regulations that apply throughout the country before presenting specific e-bike laws.
- Legal electric bikes in Australia have a maximum power level of 250W and a speed limit of 25 km/h. They might get you past that, but the motor would stop working at that point, forcing riders to take over and pedal the rest of the way.
- A licence is not required if the e-bikes are set to 25 km/h, while most jurisdictions, such as New South Wales, require registration; however, it is required if the bike exceeds 25 km/h.
- Everyone who rides an e-bike must wear a helmet, firmly secured, and comply with Australian norms. Penalties apply if you ride without one.
- Electric motorcycles must have functioning front and rear lights on the road, particularly at night. A bike must have a white front light and a red rear light.
- The rider must use clear hand signals to make turns and stops.
- GPS with stand in Australian Territories; video calling and frequent phone use are prohibited; cyclists must maintain a 1.5-metre gap between each other, but only when a third passes.
- E-bikes have a maximum weight of 40 kg.
We now see below the variations of rules in every state and identify where they differ.
Queensland
A motorised bicycle may be ridden anywhere on roads and paths except otherwise declared in Queensland.
- Electric bicycles are allowed since the motor output shall not exceed 200 W. The motor is pedal-assisted only.
- The electric motor may be adjusted to run at a speed of up to 6 km/h, which eliminates the need for pedalling.
- When the speed exceeds 6 km/hr, you must pedal because the bike will start with the motor supporting you in pedalling.
- Pedalecs with a 250W output and a top speed of 25 km/h cannot exceed this speed, and motor assistance must stop after that. They must be pedalled.
- Power-assisted bikes must meet the standards of the European Standard for Power Assisted Pedal Cycles (EN15194) and bear a permanent marking indicating compliance.
Non-compliant electric bikes are:
- A motorised bike operated by a petrol-powered or internal combustion engine.
- A motor that can develop more than 200W.
- An electric motor is the only source of power.
Victoria
Electric bicycles in Victoria are classified into two categories:
- Electric bikes with a motor output of no more than 200W.
- Outputs of 250W at a maximum speed of 25 km/h while pedalling.
New South Wales (NSW)
In NSW, the e-bikes that fall in the following sub-classifications are allowed on public roads
- Electric bicycles with a maximum motor output of 200W require pedalling in addition to motor power.
- A "pedelec" with a power output of 250 W or less and a top speed of 25 km/h.
- EN15194 compliance. Pedelecs also meet this norm.
- NSW Fire & Rescue has attended to 54 fires since January 1st, including ones involving e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards, and hoverboards, one of which resulted in two fatalities.
- The Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading will call on Consumer Affairs Ministers throughout the country to attend a future federal and state Consumer Ministers Network meeting, and it will ask the NSW Government to publicly request that the regulation of these items be added to the agenda.
- Effective February 1, 2025, NSW Fair Trading will require e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, and e-skateboards to fulfil new product criteria. New testing, certification, and labelling will be implemented in stages.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, there are two types of e-bikes. They are:
- 200W power-assisted electric bikes with a throttle for easy starting.
- EN15194 compliant 250W pedelecs that automatically stop assisting at 25 km/h. You can ride on both the pavement and the road, except where there are signs saying "No Bicycles."
South Australia and Western Australia
South Australia and Western Australia are the only two states in the country with electric bike legislation that are not equivalent to the others.
- The load or width for an e-bike in Western Australia cannot exceed 660mm.
- Electric wheelchairs, e-scooters, e-boards, Segways, and other motorised devices with power outputs greater than 250W are not permitted on public roadways and must only be used on private land.
Northern Territory
200W power-assisted cycles and 250W pedalecs are allowed to ride in the Northern Territory. There is no specific law, but road users should comply with general riding safety laws applying to bicycles not fitted with motors.
These are the e-bike laws in different states of Australia. You can search for more extensive guidelines, and for that matter, you can refer to the Australian Road Rules of the National Transport Commission.
Where Can One Buy an Electric Bike in Australia?
These electrical bikes are allowed to run between 200W and 250W and reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Some think of these limits as strict, yet the good part is that there are electric bike sellers who provide exactly that.
Veloz Electric is among the e-bike companies who are confident that their electric bikes are legal and can be used anywhere in Australia. Transportation should not give you a concern with our collection of quality yet affordable e-bikes for sale.
In Summary
We believe in the comfort that e-bikes have provided for us, and we want to share it with you. Not only that, but using a reliable e-bike allows you to live a better and more environmentally friendly lifestyle. We have come to the end of this blog, Electric bike laws in Australia, a guide for beginners, and we hope that it has made the laws and regulations governing electric motorcycles in Australia easier for you to understand and follow.
Every state has different standards, but following these guidelines will allow you to enjoy the benefits of electric bikes while being safe and compliant. If you are not already aware of the Australian E-Bike rules and are not ready to make that move, check out the regulations of the state you are in, and keep informed by checking the current regulations.
Readmore:
Valk Electric Bikes Review: Are They Really Worth the Investment?
Best Electric Scooters with Suspension
Valk Electric Bikes Review: Are They Really Worth the Investment?