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 are pedal-powered bicycles which are assisted by a motor. This can be useful in situations where you need an extra boost of power, such as riding up a steep hill.

E-bike motors must only provide assistance to the person pedalling; this means that the motor should not operate on its own without pedalling above 6km/h.

Legal electric bikes

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

1. 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 and bike is totally pedal-powered at 25km/h.

Most e-bikes on the market today are EPACs, which must comply with the standard EN15194. You can check if your device is compliant by looking for a label or sticker that shows 25km/h max speed, 250W max motor output, and a reference to the standard EN15194.

2. Pedal bicycle with a motor

  • Motor(s): no more than 200W of combined power
  • Motor cannot operate at all without pedalling.

 

Non-compliant electric motorbikes

There are a range of non-compliant devices available that cannot be ridden on a public road or footpath. These are considered illegal motorbikes and have one or more of the following features:

  • a petrol-powered or internal combustion engine
  • an electric motor that is the main source of power
  • throttle control without pedalling (at speeds of more than 6km/h)
  • the motor doesn’t turn off when you travel faster than 25km/h
  • electric motor(s) exceeding 250 watts.

Significant fines apply for riding an illegal motorbike in public places. This includes fines for riding an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, which can also be issued to people that permit this use. For example, parents can be fined for buying illegal devices for their children and permitting them to be ridden in public spaces.

Multiple offences can also result in the vehicle being impounded by the Queensland Police Service.