Electric bike laws in Australia – important information

This page is general information only and is not legal advice. E-bike laws can change. It is your responsibility to check the rules that apply where you live and ride.

For up-to-date information, always refer to your state or territory road authority (for example Transport for NSW, VicRoads, TMR QLD, etc.).Transport for NSW+2Transport Victoria+2

1. What is a “legal” e-bike in Australia?

Across Australia, an electric bike is generally treated like a normal bicycle if it stays within these limits:

Pedelec / EN15194-type e-bike (most retail commuter and leisure e-bikes):

• Maximum continuous rated motor power: 250 W

• Motor provides assistance only while you are pedalling

• Power assistance must cut out at 25 km/h

• A low-speed throttle or “walk assist” may be allowed, usually up to 6 km/h

200 W throttle-assist e-bike (older style “power-assisted bicycle”):

• Maximum motor power: 200 W

• May be operated by throttle without pedalling

• If it is more powerful than 200 W, or capable of higher speeds under power, it is usually treated as a motor vehicle, not a bicycle.

If an e-bike exceeds these power or speed limits, or has been modified to do so, it will often be treated in law as a motorcycle or moped and may require registration, compliance with national vehicle standards, and a motorcycle licence.Infrastructure and Transport Dept+1

2. State and territory overview (summary only)

Most states and territories use the same basic limits (250 W pedelec / 200 W throttle, 25 km/h assisted speed), but there are some differences in wording and categories.

New South Wales (NSW)Transport for NSW+1

• Two main legal categories:

  • Power-assisted pedal cycles – up to 200 W, motor helps only when pedalling.

  • Electrically power-assisted cycles (pedelecs) – EN15194-type e-bikes using pedal assist, assistance cuts out at 25 km/h.

• No registration or licence required for compliant e-bikes.

• Standard bicycle road rules apply (where you can ride, signalling, lights, etc.).

• Helmets must comply with AS/NZS 2063.

VictoriaTransport Victoria+1

• Pedelecs (EN15194) up to 250 W, 25 km/h assist, are treated as bicycles.

• Throttle-only bikes are limited to 200 W.

• E-bikes over these limits are classed as motor vehicles and must be registered; a motorcycle licence may be required.

• Helmet, lighting and reflector rules are the same as for conventional bicycles.

QueenslandQueensland Government+1

• Two legal types:

  • EPAC/pedelec up to 250 W, pedal-assist to 25 km/h.

  • 200 W e-bike with throttle.

• Motor may work without pedalling only up to 6 km/h.

• No registration or licence for compliant e-bikes; bicycle road rules apply.

South Australia, Western Australia, ACT, NT, Tasmania

• Generally align with the 250 W / 200 W / 25 km/h framework above.

• Compliant e-bikes are treated as bicycles with no registration or licence.

• Helmet use is compulsory.

Because wording and enforcement can differ between jurisdictions, always check your local rules before riding a new e-bike in public.

3. Bikes that are not road-legal

Your e-bike may not be legal for use on public roads or paths if:

• The motor exceeds 250 W (pedelec) or 200 W (throttle-only), or has been re-programmed for higher output

• The bike can use motor power above 25 km/h without relying mainly on rider pedalling

• The bike has been modified with high-power conversion kits or non-original controllers

• Factory speed limiters or safety features have been disabled or bypassed

These bikes are often legally treated as motorbikes or mopeds, which means: registration, compliance with road vehicle standards and a suitable rider licence may be required. Riding them on public roads or paths without meeting those requirements can result in fines and the bike being considered an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.Infrastructure and Transport Dep

Such bikes are generally only suitable for use on private property, with the owner’s permission, and with appropriate safety gear.

4. How this relates to BikesOnline e-bikes

• Our retail e-bikes are intended to comply with the Australian e-bike framework for public-road use unless a product is clearly described as off-road / private-property use only.

• Product pages will indicate:

  • Motor rated power (W)

  • Intended use category (commuter, cargo, off-road, etc.)

  • Any limits on where the bike can be legally used.

If you are unsure whether a particular e-bike is legal to ride on public roads or paths in your state, please contact our customer support team before purchase or use.

5. Rider responsibilities

Regardless of model or brand, riders are responsible for:

• Choosing an e-bike that is legal for the type of riding and location they intend to use it in

• Wearing an Australian Standard AS/NZS 2063-approved helmet at all times while riding

• Using correct lights and reflectors at night or in low visibility, as required for bicycles

• Obeying all relevant road rules, including speed limits, shared path rules and giving way

• Not modifying the bike to increase power or speed beyond legal limits

If you modify your e-bike or fit aftermarket motors, batteries or controllers, you may make it non-compliant. In that case it may no longer be legal to use on public roads or paths, even if it was compliant when sold.

6. Lithium-ion battery and charger safety

Australian regulators are tightening rules on lithium-ion battery products, including e-bikes, e-scooters and their chargers. In NSW, for example, certain e-micromobility products and batteries are becoming “declared electrical articles”, and retailers face significant penalties for selling non-compliant products.

NSW Fair Trading and Fire & Rescue NSW recommend that e-bike users:

• Only use batteries and chargers supplied with the bike, or recommended by the manufacturer

• Charge in a clear, ventilated area away from beds, sofas, carpets and other combustible materials

• Do not leave batteries charging unattended or overnight

• Stop using any battery that is swollen, leaking, unusually hot, or producing odour, smoke or noise

• If a battery or e-bike starts to emit smoke or flames, evacuate immediately and call Triple Zero (000)

We work with our suppliers to source e-bikes and batteries that comply with relevant electrical safety and product standards.

7. Disposal and recycling

E-bike batteries and related components must not be placed in normal household rubbish.

Follow local guidance on battery recycling and hazardous waste. Many councils, battery recycling programs and specialist recyclers accept e-bike batteries for safe disposal

8. Quick FAQ for customers (for bot training)

Q1. Do I need a licence or registration for my e-bike?
If your e-bike meets the 250 W / 200 W and 25 km/h limits described above, it is generally treated as a bicycle and does not need registration or a driver’s licence. Over-powered or modified e-bikes may be treated as motor vehicles and need registration and a motorcycle licence.

Q2. Can I ride a 500 W e-bike on the road in Australia?
In many cases, a 500 W e-bike will be treated as a motor vehicle unless it fits within a specific local category and is used according to that category’s rules. If the bike can exceed 25 km/h under motor power or does not rely mainly on pedalling, it is unlikely to be considered a bicycle. Always check your local road authority’s guidance before riding.Sydney Defence Lawyers+1

Q3. Can I remove the speed limiter or fit a more powerful motor?
If you increase the power or assisted speed beyond legal limits, your bike is no longer a legal e-bike for public roads and paths. It may be treated as an unregistered motorbike, with fines and other penalties if used in public.

Q4. Where can I ride my e-bike?
Compliant e-bikes can usually be ridden wherever bicycles are allowed in your state or territory: roads, bike lanes and shared paths, subject to local signs and restrictions. Some areas restrict e-bikes on certain paths or trails, so always follow local signs and land-manager rules.Transport for NSW+1

Q5. Are e-bike batteries safe?
Quality e-bike batteries are safe when used, charged and stored correctly. However, damaged or poor-quality lithium-ion batteries can fail and cause fire. Only use approved chargers, follow charging instructions, and stop using any battery that shows signs of damage or overheating.