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