E-Bike Laws and Regulations in Australia: What You Need to Know Before You Ride

Thinking about zipping around town on an electric bike? Great idea! But before you hit the road, it’s important to know the laws that govern e-bike usage across Australia. Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes come with their own set of rules — and staying on the right side of them keeps you safe and stress-free.

Let's be honest — no one wants a hefty fine or to have their shiny new e-bike confiscated. Knowing the rules not only helps you avoid trouble, but also ensures your e-bike adventures are safe, enjoyable, and legal.

To be classified as an electrically power-assisted cycle (EPAC) in Australia, an e-bike must meet the following requirements:

• The motor provides assistance only while pedalling or starting off using throttle.

• Motor assistance must progressively reduce as the bike’s speed exceeds 6km/h.

• Assistance must cut off completely once the bike reaches 25km/h, or if the rider stops pedalling and the speed is above 6km/h.

• In NSW, EPACs can have a maximum continuous rated motor power of up to 500W. All other states and territories can have a maximum continuous rated motor power of up to 250W.

These rules ensure EPACs remain road-legal and are treated as bicycles rather than motor vehicles under Australian law. Here at Ridewave, we only sell EPACs.

To be classified as a Power-Assisted Pedal Cycle in Australia, an e-bike must meet the following requirements:

• Maximum motor power: 200 watts (much less power).

• Rules:

  • The bike cannot be moved only by the motor — you must pedal to move.

  • The entire bike (with battery) must weigh less than 50kg .

  • It must have a height-adjustable seat .

In general, e-bikes that fall under this category are much older and rarer in today's day and age.

Some e-bikes allow you to accelerate using only a throttle — no pedalling required! However, throttle operation without pedalling has stricter rules and is often speed-limited depending on the state you're in. Depending on the specific model of throttle-controlled e-bike, you may need a motorcycle license or certain safety modifications to ride on public roads worry-free.

At Ridewave, we don't sell throttle-only bikes. All of our e-bikes have working pedals and a proper drivetrain, just like a regular bike. Most models include a throttle to help you get moving or for off-road and private property use, but they're designed to be pedalled beyond 6km/h, keeping them road-compliant.

Across Australia, the general rule is that e-bikes can have a motor up to 250W and assistance must cut off once you hit 25km/h. Pedalling is required to engage the motor.

In New South Wales, you’re allowed to ride e-bikes with up to 500W power output legally on public roads — a unique exception compared to other states! However, just like 250W bikes, the assistance must stop at 25km/h.

In Australia, all states and territories now follow the same standard rule for e-bike throttles:
You can use the throttle without pedalling up to 6 km/h . Once you exceed 6 km/h, you must be pedalling for the motor assistance to continue.

This rule applies consistently across:

• Victoria (VIC)

• New South Wales (NSW)

• Queensland (QLD)

• South Australia (SA)

• Western Australia (WA)

• Tasmania (TAS)

• Northern Territory (NT)

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• No matter where you are riding in Australia, the 6 km/h throttle limit applies to e-bikes on public roads, bike paths, and shared paths . If your e-bike’s throttle operates beyond this limit without pedalling, it is no longer considered a bicycle under Australian law and may be treated as a motor vehicle — requiring registration, licensing, and insurance.

However, if you are riding on private property or designated off-road areas , these public road regulations do not apply. In those settings, you may use a fully unlocked throttle and enjoy higher speeds without the need to pedal. Just remember that once you return to public areas, your e-bike must comply with the national 6 km/h throttle law.

Always make sure your e-bike is set up correctly for where you intend to ride — and stay informed to ride safely and legally.

In Australia, e-bikes that meet the 250W or 500W power limits and are speed-limited to 25km/h are allowed in many public spaces. Generally, you can enjoy riding your e-bike on:

• Bike paths

• Shared paths

• Public roads

• Low-speed residential streets

These areas are designed to be safe and accessible for cyclists, including e-bike riders. However, it’s important to note that e-bikes are not permitted to be ridden on highways, freeways, or motorways. These high-speed roads are restricted to motor vehicles only, and riding an e-bike there is both unsafe and illegal.

While you have a lot of freedom on bike-friendly routes, remember that certain off-road areas — such as mountain tracks, national parks, and private estates — may have specific rules about e-bike access. Restrictions can vary depending on local regulations and land management policies, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead before planning your ride.

Being aware of where you can and cannot ride ensures you stay safe, avoid fines, and get the most enjoyment out of your e-bike adventures. Always plan ahead.

EN15194 is a European standard that sets safety and performance rules for electric bikes. If your e-bike meets this certification, it means the motor power, speed limits, and overall design follow strict guidelines — giving you extra confidence every time you ride. To be EN15194 compliant, an e-bike must meet rules on maximum continuous motor power (usually capped at 250W), motor cut-off speed (25 km/h), and how pedal assistance operates. Compliance with EN15194 means that the bike is engineered to balance power assistance safely with rider input.

UL 2849 focuses on the electrical system of an e-bike, including the battery, motor, charger, and wiring. This certification helps protect against risks like fire or electric shock, making sure your e-bike stays safe during everyday use and charging. In Australia, where compliance with electrical safety standards is vital (particularly for public road use under 250W or 500W guidelines), an e-bike that meets UL 2849 offers an extra layer of confidence in its electrical reliability and safety.

UL 2271 is all about battery safety. It ensures the battery inside your e-bike has been tested against overheating, fire, and other potential hazards, helping you ride and charge with greater peace of mind. For Australian riders, using an e-bike equipped with a UL 2271 certified battery means a lower risk of fire-related incidents, particularly when charging at home or using the bike heavily outdoors in Australian summer heat.

Australia mainly follows the EN15194 standard for road-legal e-bikes (250W limit nationally, or up to 500W in NSW). While local standards also focus on electrical safety, looking for bikes that meet EN15194, UL 2849, and UL 2271 gives you the best assurance of a safe and compliant e-bike in Australia. Always refer to up-to-date information in your specific state/territory.

Absolutely. All Ridewave e-bikes are engineered to meet the EN15194 standard, which sets out strict safety, performance, and construction requirements for electric bicycles used across Australia and Europe. EN15194 certification ensures that every Ridewave e-bike complies with critical regulations covering motor power limits, pedal-assist operation, electrical safety, and overall bike durability.

Beyond EN15194, we also prioritise key component certifications to deliver even greater peace of mind. Our motors, batteries, chargers, and controllers are carefully selected to align with internationally recognised safety standards, including UL2849 for complete electrical system safety and UL2271 for battery pack reliability and thermal protection.

Choosing a certified e-bike is one of the most important decisions you can make for your safety — and we’re committed to providing e-bikes that not only offer outstanding performance but are also built to meet the highest safety and compliance standards. When you ride a Ridewave e-bike, you’re riding with confidence, knowing that every detail has been designed with your safety, reliability, and long-term enjoyment in mind.

Unlocking (or derestricting) your e-bike to remove the 25km/h speed limit or 250W/500W power limit can offer more freedom — but it also changes the way your e-bike is classified under Australian law. Once unlocked, your e-bike is no longer legally considered a bicycle for public road use. It may be reclassified as a motor vehicle, meaning you could be required to register it, hold a licence, and meet insurance requirements.

If you choose to unlock your e-bike, it must only be used on private property or off-road areas where local rules permit. Riding an unlocked e-bike on public roads could result in fines, legal penalties, or other enforcement actions.

Additionally, unlocking your e-bike may impact your warranty coverage. Certain modifications, such as adjusting the motor settings or throttle restrictions, may void parts of your warranty, particularly where they affect electrical components or system safety.

At Ridewave, we provide unlocking information through our Help Centre for private property or off-road use only. If you decide to make any modifications, you do so at your own risk and responsibility. Always ride safely, understand the local laws, and make informed choices about how and where you ride.

Ride Responsibly. Ride Safely. 

If you're looking to unlock the full potential of your e-bike, there's good news: riding on private property or off-road trails opens up a lot more freedom. When you are on private land — such as farms, large rural estates, or private trails — Australian road regulations do not apply. This means you can legally use a more powerful e-bike or unlock higher throttle speeds beyond the standard 25km/h limit without restrictions.

Popular spots for off-road e-bike adventures include beaches (where permitted), dirt tracks, forest trails, and open paddocks. However, always check with local authorities or landowners before riding in areas like national parks or protected reserves, as some locations may still have their own rules about motorised vehicles.

Whether you want to enjoy higher speeds, throttle-only riding, or a more powerful motor, private property and off-road areas are the best places to truly experience what your unlocked e-bike can do — without worrying about public road compliance.

Just remember: when you return to public streets, bike paths, or shared spaces, your e-bike must once again comply with Australian regulations to stay legal and safe.

In Australia, e-bikes with a continuous motor output above 250 watts are generally not legal for public road use — unless you are in New South Wales (NSW). NSW is the only state that allows e-bikes with up to 500W of continuous motor power to be legally used on public roads, provided they still comply with bicycle standards like cutting off motor assistance at 25km/h and requiring pedalling beyond 6km/h throttle speeds.

In all other states and territories — including Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and ACT — any e-bike that exceeds the 250W limit must be registered and licensed as a motor vehicle to be legally used on public roads. This process can be expensive, complex, and impractical for most riders, as it requires compliance with strict vehicle safety standards.

However, e-bikes over 250W can still be freely enjoyed on private property or off-road areas where public road laws don't apply. This allows riders to experience higher-powered electric bikes in a safe and controlled environment without the need for registration or licensing.

If you're considering a powerful e-bike, always be clear about where you intend to ride and make sure your setup matches your riding environment.

Choosing a legal and compliant e-bike in Australia is easier when you know what to look for. Here are some key tips to help you find the right electric bike for public road use:

• Motor Power: Ensure the e-bike you choose has a 250W continuous motor rating, which is the legal limit across Australia (or 500W if you are riding primarily in NSW).

• Speed Limitation: Confirm that the e-bike’s motor assistance cuts off automatically once you reach 25km/h . This is a vital requirement for staying within road-legal regulations.

• Certifications: Look for e-bikes that meet important safety and performance certifications, such as EN15194 (European design and safety standard), UL2849 (electrical system safety), and UL2271 (battery safety). These certifications offer extra assurance that your e-bike is built to high-quality and safety standards.

• Reputable Brands: Always buy from reputable Australian e-bike brands — like Ridewave — that understand local regulations and build bikes specifically for Australian riders. Trusted brands ensure compliance, offer better warranties, and provide stronger after-sales support.

• Throttle Compliance: If having a throttle is important to you, make sure the e-bike's throttle operation is legally compliant — meaning throttle-only use is restricted to 6 km/h before pedal-assist must engage.

Taking the time to choose a compliant e-bike not only helps you avoid legal issues but also ensures a safer, more reliable riding experience — whether you’re commuting, exploring, or adventuring around Australia.

At Ridewave Bikes, we get it — you want style, power, and street legality all in one ride. That’s why every Ridewave e-bike is precision-tuned to meet Australia’s strict road regulations right out of the box. Whether you're after a 250W commuter cruiser for everyday city rides or a more adventurous 500W model for NSW riders, our e-bikes are built to keep you compliant, safe, and ready to ride with full confidence.

All of our e-bikes are locked by default to meet legal requirements — capped at the approved power outputs and 25km/h speed limits — ensuring you can ride legally on public roads, bike paths, and shared spaces across Australia. If your e-bike features a motor that can exceed 250W or 500W, it remains restricted unless you choose to unlock it for use on private property or off-road areas where public regulations no longer apply.

This means you get the best of both worlds: full compliance when you need it, and the freedom to unleash your e-bike’s true potential when you're riding on private land, trails, or adventure zones. At Ridewave, we believe every rider should have the power to choose — safely, legally, and responsibly.

Understanding e-bike laws isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about making sure you can enjoy every ride without worry. Whether you're commuting to work, cruising the beachside, or exploring rugged trails, staying legal keeps the good times rolling. Choose a trusted brand like Ridewave, and you’ll be riding the wave of freedom, style, and compliance all at once!

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