What is an E-Bike and How Do They Work?

An electric bike (e-bike) is much like a regular bicycle but features an integrated electric motor, battery, and controller to assist with pedalling (Bicycle Network). The motor doesn't replace your effort — it simply boosts it, making it easier to tackle hills, headwinds, and longer rides. Power comes from a rechargeable battery, while a controller regulates how much assistance you receive as you ride.

E-bikes offer a practical, eco-friendly, and health-conscious alternative to cars or public transport. Whether you're commuting to work or riding for leisure, an e-bike helps you travel further with less effort, all while enjoying the benefits of cycling and reducing your environmental impact.

Australia is seeing an e-bike boom, with sales skyrocketing by over 200% since 2019 ( ABC News ). Factors like rising fuel costs, traffic congestion, and a strong environmental focus have pushed more Aussies towards e-bikes.

Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane have heavily invested in bike-friendly infrastructure, making it safer and more appealing to ditch the car. Government rebates in some regions also help lower the upfront cost, making e-bikes more accessible than ever before.

• Hub-Drive Motors: These motors are positioned in the centre of either the front or rear wheel. They provide a smooth, steady ride and are ideal for casual riding on flatter terrain.

• Mid-Drive Motors: These motors are mounted near the pedal crank, delivering better balance, improved handling, and stronger climbing power — making them perfect for tackling hills and varied terrain.

Choosing between the two depends on your riding terrain, preferred ride style, and budget. Each offers distinct advantages depending on the type of riding experience you're after.

The battery powers the motor and is arguably the most critical component of any e-bike. In Australia, most e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries, similar to those in mobile phones but significantly larger and more robust.

Typical battery ranges vary from 40 km to 120 km, depending on factors like assist level, rider weight, and terrain. Charging from empty generally takes 4 to 8 hours using a standard wall socket.

To extend your battery's life:

• Avoid full discharges

• Store in a cool, dry place

• Avoid exposure to direct Australian summer heat

On an e-bike, the controller and the display are two separate components with different roles. The display, mounted on the handlebars, acts as your dashboard. Australian e-bikes typically feature LED or LCD screens that show information such as:

• Speed

• Distance travelled

• Battery status

• Assist level

Meanwhile, the controller — the "brain" of the e-bike — is usually hidden within the frame or discreetly mounted to a less noticeable part of the bike. It manages how the motor, battery, and sensors work together, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride.

Some premium models even come with features like Bluetooth connectivity, GPS tracking, and integrated lighting systems — all designed to make your ride smarter and more enjoyable.

Pedal assist systems activate the motor as you pedal. The harder you pedal, the more help you get. Australian e-bikes use torque sensors or cadence sensors to regulate this.

Once you hit 25 km/h, the motor assistance legally stops, letting you pedal under your own power.

Owning and operating a car in Australia is expensive. From rego, insurance, fuel, to maintenance, the costs add up quickly.

Switching to an e-bike could save you thousands of dollars per year (Bicycle Network):

• Charging costs less than $0.30 per full battery.

• Maintenance costs are minimal compared to cars.

• Parking hassles? Gone!

For city dwellers, an e-bike often covers all short to medium distance travel needs easily.

Choosing the right e-bike can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options available across Australia. But don't worry—if you break it down into a few key factors, the decision becomes much easier.

• In Australia, to ride legally on public roads without needing registration, an e-bike must have a motor with a maximum continuous output of 250 watts (up to 500 watts is permitted in New South Wales). For riders who regularly encounter steep hills or challenging terrains, mid-drive motors are an excellent choice, delivering strong climbing power and a more natural riding feel. For those riding mostly on flatter roads and urban environments, hub-drive motors provide a smooth, efficient, and cost-effective option.

• Battery Range: Think about how far you’ll typically ride. A commute of 10-15 km each way will need a battery offering around 60-80 km range to avoid daily charging. If you plan long weekend rides, look for a larger capacity battery.

• Frame Style: Step-through frames are great for casual riders, while sportier frames offer better performance for longer distances or rugged terrain.

• Weight: Some e-bikes can weigh over 25 kg, so if you need to carry your bike upstairs or onto public transport, opt for a lighter model.

• Budget: In Australia, decent e-bikes start around $2,000 and can go beyond $10,000 for premium models. Always invest according to your needs and frequency of use.

Ultimately, test rides are invaluable. Many Australian retailers offer them—so don’t be shy to try before you buy! Here at Ridewave, we have test-ride options available in Melbourne, Sydney, and in the Gold Coast. If you're interested in seeing our e-bikes in person, you can make a booking here: Test Ride Booking

When it comes to quality and reliability, some brands stand out in the Australian market:

• Merida: Well-known for producing robust, high-quality e-bikes perfect for commuting and recreational rides.

• Giant: Offers a wide range of pedal-assist models suitable for different terrains and budgets.

• Specialized: High-end e-bikes that excel in performance, particularly for adventure and mountain biking.

• Reid Cycles: Australian-owned brand offering affordable and stylish e-bikes.

• Trek: Global reputation for durable, high-performance electric bikes.

As a new and proudly local Australian brand, Ridewave Bikes is excited to join this lineup — offering a premium range of e-bikes designed specifically for Aussie conditions. Our models are built to handle everything from rugged trails to urban streets, delivering a smooth, powerful, and reliable ride wherever your journey takes you.

Your e-bike's battery is its lifeline, and proper care can significantly extend its life. In Australia’s hot summers, special attention is necessary:

• Avoid extreme heat: Never leave your battery sitting in direct sunlight or in a parked car for long periods.

• Regular charging: It’s better to keep your battery topped up rather than draining it completely before recharging.

• Store indoors: If you’re not riding for a while, store the battery indoors in a cool, dry place.

Most e-bike batteries will begin to show noticeable signs of capacity loss after 3 to 5 years, even with proper care. However, with good maintenance, they can still provide strong performance and remain a worthwhile investment over the long term.

Luckily, e-bike motors are mostly maintenance-free. However, a few practices help ensure their longevity:

• Keep it clean: After dusty rides around Australia’s outback trails or salty coastal rides, give your bike a gentle wash—avoiding direct water on the motor itself.

• Inspect connections: Occasionally check the cables and connectors for any signs of wear or corrosion.

• Listen carefully: Strange noises from the motor could indicate issues; early diagnosis can prevent costly repairs.

Routine inspections by a certified technician can catch minor issues before they become major ones.

Just like a regular bicycle, an e-bike also requires periodic servicing to keep it running smoothly. For general bicycle components — such as tyres, brakes, chains, and gears — most Australian bike shops can service e-bikes in much the same way they would a standard pushbike.

As a general guideline, most experts recommend a full service every 1,500–2,000 kilometres , or at least once a year, depending on your usage and riding conditions.

However, when it comes to the electrical parts like the motor , battery , or controller , it’s a different story. Because different e-bike brands use different electrical systems and components, it’s strongly recommended that you contact your e-bike brand or authorised supplier for any motor or battery-related issues, diagnostics, or repairs. Handling these specialised parts often requires brand-specific knowledge, software, and tools.

Australian e-bike laws are designed to ensure the safety of riders and the public. To be classified as a compliant e-bike and legally used on public roads and bike paths without registration or licensing, an e-bike must meet the following requirements:

• Motor Limit: Maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts for pedal-assist operation (500 watts in NSW).

• Speed Cap: Motor assistance must progressively cut off as the bike approaches 25 km/h and stop completely once this speed is reached.

• Throttle Use: If a throttle is fitted, it can only assist up to 6 km/h to help start the bike; beyond that, pedalling must provide the propulsion.

• Registration: Not necessary for compliant e-bikes. (as outlined by Australian Government Regulations ).

If an e-bike exceeds these limits — for example, models equipped with motors rated over 500 watts or even 1000 watts — it may no longer be considered a standard bicycle. These powerful e-bikes are typically intended for private property use or off-road adventures. Riding such high-powered e-bikes on public roads would mean they are classified as motor vehicles (similar to mopeds or motorcycles), requiring licensing, registration, insurance, and appropriate protective gear like motorcycle helmets.

As regulations may vary slightly between states and territories, it’s essential to always check your local laws before riding.

Most Australian states allow e-bikes on:

• Roads

• Bike lanes

• Shared pedestrian paths

In Queensland , you can legally ride e-bikes on footpaths, but you must give way to pedestrians. In NSW and Victoria , riding on footpaths is generally restricted to children under 12 and their accompanying adults (Bicycle Network).

Always check your state’s specific rules to stay compliant.

E-bikes are reshaping how Australians travel—providing an affordable, eco-friendly, and fun alternative to traditional commuting. Whether you're navigating Sydney’s traffic, exploring Melbourne’s trails, or cruising along Brisbane’s riverside paths, there's an e-bike suited perfectly for your journey.

Understanding the components, local laws, and key maintenance practices can ensure you enjoy a long, smooth, and safe ride. So, if you're considering making the switch, now's the perfect time to join the e-bike revolution!