Electric bike rules
An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is a type of vehicle and can be assisted by power when riding.
You can ride an e-bike on all Queensland roads and paths, except where bicycles are prohibited. When riding, you have rights and responsibilities like all road users.
Legal e-bike requirements
Legal e-bikes must comply with the following:
Pedals are primary source of power
The motor provides assistance only
Motor assistance up to 25km/h
The bicycle can only be ridden faster under human power
Maximum motor output 250 watts
The motor output should be printed on the compliance sticker
Most legal e-bikes comply with the standard for Electric Power Assisted Bicycles (EPAC) EN15194. Look out for a compliance sticker on the bike like this.
Illegal Devices
You can’t ride your device on a public road or footpath if it has any of the following:
Internal combustion engine
E-bikes must have an electric motor
Throttle powered only
Throttle power is permitted at speeds up to 6km/h to get started. After this you must pedal to activate the motor assistance
High powered motors
High-powered devices with a motor more than 250 watts are not permitted. High-powered devices that are locked to lower limits are still illegal
Penalties for illegal devices
Illegal devices are considered non-compliant motorcycles. They are already banned, and police can enforce them using a range of offences. Total fines can be more than $1,500. *
More than $570
Unregistered Vehicle & Uninsured Vehicle.
Can be issued to the rider or a parent on behalf of a child
More than $480 + 3 demerit points
Not wearing a motorcycle helmet
More than $530
No motorcycle licence
Device Impounded or confiscated by police:
2 or more unregistered and uninsured offences within 5 years may result in the device being impounded or confiscated by police.
Key rules to follow
E-bike riders must follow all general road rules just like all bicycle riders. This includes obeying signs and traffic lights as well as give way rules.
Always wear a helmet
Penalty of more than $160
Give way to pedestrians on paths
Penalty of more than $160
Leave your phone alone
Penalty of more than $1,200
Only carry passengers if bike designed to do so
Penalty of more than $160
Obey give way & stop signs
Penalty of more than $480
Follow traffic lights
Penalty of more than $640
Don’t drink and ride
Penalty of more than $480
Ring your bell to warn pedestrians
Penalty of more than $160
No riding on motorways or where no bicycle signs are installed
Penalty of more than $190
Stay at the scene of a crash and exchange details
Penalty of more than $320
Speed limits apply
Look out for specific limits on paths and bridges. Penalty of more than $1,800