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.

 

You must follow the bicycle road rules and obey the general road rules.

 

You don’t need a licence to ride an e-bike, and they don’t need registration or compulsory third-party insurance. However, if a rider is involved in an incident, they are responsible for any damage or injuries caused to others. For this reason, it is recommended that riders investigate options for public liability insurance.

Riding an electric bike

E-bikes only give electric power assistance and must still be primarily powered by pedals.

The motor of an e-bike provides assistance to the person pedalling, and may only operate without pedalling up to a speed of 6km/h, after which power is progressively reduced and cut off when the bike reaches a speed of 25km/h

Legal electric bikes

There are two types of e-bikes that are legal for use on Queensland roads:

1. Power-assisted pedal cycle

  • May have one or more electric motors
  • Motor(s): no more than 200W of combined power
  • Pedals must be used to keep motor(s) operating at all times

2. Electrically power-assisted cycles (EPACs)

  • Motor: no more than 250W of total power
  • Motor can operate without pedalling up to 6km/h
  • Motor cuts out at 25km/h
  • Pedals must be used to keep the motor operating (above 6km/h)

Most e-bikes on the market today are EPACs with a motor output of 250W so it’s a good idea to look out for a compliance label or sticker that shows 25km/h max speed and 250W max motor output.

Non-compliant electric bikes

You can’t ride your e-bike on a public road or footpath if it has any of the following:

  • a petrol-powered or internal combustion engine
  • an electric motor exceeding the maximum allowed 250 watts.
  • an electric motor that is the primary source of power.
  • throttle control without pedalling

Non-compliant bikes may only be ridden on private property with no public access.

To ride a non-compliant e-bike legally on a road, it must comply with the Australian Design Rules requirements for a motorcycle and be registered.