Quick answer: On roads and bike paths, Australia allows e-bikes up to 250 watts that only help while you pedal and stop helping at 25 km/h. Anything more powerful is meant for private land and off-road riding. The rules are a little different in each state, so it's always worth checking yours.
The two kinds of road-legal e-bike
| Type | Max power | How it works | Allowed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedal-assist | 250 watts | The motor only helps while you pedal, up to 25 km/h | Every state |
| Throttle | 200 watts | Twist the throttle to go | Most states |
On a pedal-assist e-bike, the throttle is only allowed for a slow "walk" mode of about 6 km/h. As long as you stay inside these limits, your e-bike counts as a bicycle, so there's no licence or rego needed.
What about 500W to 5000W e-bikes?
Anything over those limits is treated more like a motorbike than a bicycle. Because it can't be registered, you can't ride it on roads, bike paths or footpaths, and if you do, you could be fined, have your bike taken and find your insurance won't cover you in a crash.
That's why our 500W to 5000W kits are sold for off-road and private property use only. The easiest way to think about them is like a dirt bike.
Where can I ride?
| Where | 250W pedal-assist | 500W to 5000W |
|---|---|---|
| Roads | Yes | No |
| Bike paths | Yes | No |
| Footpaths | Depends on your state and age | No |
| Private land (with the owner's OK) | Yes | Yes |
Tip: take your high-powered bike to where you ride on a trailer or bike rack rather than riding it there on the road. And since these bikes can reach dirt-bike speeds, it's a good idea to wear proper protective gear too.
Converting your own bike?
We'll give you the honest answer here. Legal e-bikes from a shop are built and tested to a safety standard, but a bike you convert at home hasn't been tested that way. Because of that, we can't promise that any converted bike is road legal, even a 250W one, so if riding on the road matters to you, it's best to check with your state's transport department first.
If you're building a 250W commuter, here's how to keep it as close to the rules as you can:
- Ride on pedal assist, using the pedal sensor that comes with our 250W kit so the motor only helps when you pedal.
- Set the speed limit to 25 km/h using the built-in limiter on either screen (our FAQ shows you how).
- Only use the throttle at walking pace, or simply unplug it.
- Keep it safe with working brakes, a bell and lights for riding at night.
Check your state
Every state sets its own e-bike rules, and they've been changing lately, especially around throttles, footpaths and age limits. The easiest way to check is to search "e-bike rules" along with your state's name on your state government's transport website.
Common questions
Do I need a licence or rego for a 250W e-bike?
No, a legal 250W e-bike is treated just like a normal bicycle.
Do I need a helmet?
Yes, almost everywhere, as Australia's bike helmet laws cover e-bikes too (the NT has a few exceptions).
Can I ride a 3000W e-bike on the road if I go slowly?
Unfortunately not, because the rules are about how powerful the bike is rather than how fast you ride it.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and differ between states, so please check your state's transport website for the latest.