Electric bike laws in Australia

Electric bike laws in Australia

In the past year e-bikes have come under closer scrutiny by the national government and local councils, and some states have adjusted and/or tightened their rules and regulations regarding e-bikes. The EPAC (Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle) standard is a national standard that is now used in Australia to determine whether an e-bike is legal or not.
 
The requirements of EPACs are:

  • The motor power is 250W continuous rated power, only assisting while pedalling
  • The motor assistance cuts out at 25km/h
  • The power must be pedal-assisted, meaning a pedalling motion is required to activate the motor
  • A throttle is only allowed up to 6km/h (often referred to as the ‘walk assist’)

 
And of course helmets are mandatory as on normal bicycles.
 
If an e-bike doesn’t comply with these requirements it cannot be used on public roads, only on private property. A common misconception is that footpaths or bicycle trails aren’t public roads, as people don’t necessarily view them as roads. However, this is incorrect; public roads include any type of road, trail, path, or space that you share with the general public. The only type of area that is excluded from this is private property.
 
Using a non-legal e-bike on public roads can have serious consequences, as non-legal e-bikes are classified as unregistered motor vehicles.
 
So please check your e-bike to ensure that it is indeed legal to be used on public roads, stay safe, and enjoy your power assisted rides!
 
To read more specific information for your state, please visit:
QLD: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/electric-bicycle-rules
NSW: https://transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-rules/bikes-and-e-bikes
VIC: https://transport.vic.gov.au/road-and-active-transport/active-transport/bicycles/electric-bikes
WA: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/bicycle-riders
ACT: https://www.transport.act.gov.au/travel-options/walking-and-cycling/cycling
TAS: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/road_safety_and_rules/power_assisted_bicycles_e-bikes
NT: https://nt.gov.au/driving/safety/electric-scooters-and-bikes

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