E-bike laws in Australia
It's not just about the motor.
Plenty of riders assume the number on the motor decides whether an e-bike is road legal. It doesn't. Across Australia, pedal-assisted e-bikes are assessed against the EN 15194 standard, which looks at the whole drive system: its continuous output, its speed limits and what its settings allow.
“My motor says 500W, so my bike must be illegal.”
It's the thing we hear most, and it's understandable. It's easy to assume the number printed on the motor or in a product listing is the one the law cares about. It isn't.
EN 15194 is the standard that counts.
The standard Australian road rules recognise for pedal-assisted e-bikes is EN 15194. It sets a maximum continuous output of 250W. What matters is how the whole system behaves on the road, not the nominal wattage printed on one part.
It's the whole system
Five parts, one rating
Continuous power isn't a property of the motor alone. The motor, controller, battery, display and firmware together decide how much power reaches the wheel, and for how long. That combined figure, the continuous rated output, is what EN 15194 regulates.
- MotorTurns power into drive
- ControllerDecides how much power flows
- BatterySupplies the energy
- DisplayWhere assist settings live
- FirmwareSets the limits in software
The key concept
What continuous power actually means
Continuous power is the output a drive system can sustain under specified conditions without overheating. It's a measure of ongoing output, not short-term peaks.
Almost every e-bike briefly draws more than its continuous rating when taking off, climbing or carrying a load. That's expected, and it's not what compliance is assessed on. Drag along the ride below to see the difference.
Speed and throttle
The limits your bike must stay within
Alongside continuous output, compliance depends on what your bike is capable of, including through its settings. If the display or app allows these limits to be exceeded, the bike isn't compliant, even if you never change those settings.
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25km/h
Pedal assist
Assistance must cut out at 25 km/h. You can pedal faster; the system just stops helping.
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6km/h
Throttle (walk assist)
A throttle is only compliant if it's limited to 6 km/h. It's a walk-assist function, not a ride mode.
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settings
No unlockable settings
The bike's settings must not allow these limits to be exceeded, even if you never change them.
Pedal assist is the point. Apart from 6 km/h walk assist, the system should only help while you're pedalling. That's the configuration EN 15194 is built around.
Nationally
One standard, every state
Every state and territory recognises EN 15194 for pedal-assisted e-bikes, so the core limits on this page apply wherever you ride. Each state sets its own road rules on top, such as age limits, where you can ride and penalties, and these can change. Check your state's transport authority for the latest.
Same everywhere
- 250 W continuous rated output
- Pedal assistance cuts out at 25 km/h
- Throttle limited to 6 km/h (walk assist)
- Settings can't unlock higher limits
- Compliant e-bikes are treated as bicycles: no licence or registration
Set by your state
- Minimum rider age
- Where you can ride, such as footpaths and shared paths
- Penalties and enforcement
- Extra sale or safety rules, such as NSW battery requirements
- NSW Transport for NSWE-bikes and batteries sold in NSW must also meet NSW Fair Trading safety requirements.transport.nsw.gov.au (opens in a new tab)
- VIC VicRoadsvicroads.vic.gov.au (opens in a new tab)
- QLD Transport and Main RoadsQueensland's 2026 e-bike laws adopt EN 15194. Riders must be 16 or older.tmr.qld.gov.au (opens in a new tab)
- WA Department of Transporttransport.wa.gov.au (opens in a new tab)
- SA Department for Infrastructure and Transportdit.sa.gov.au (opens in a new tab)
- TAS Transport Tasmaniatransport.tas.gov.au (opens in a new tab)
- ACT Access Canberraaccesscanberra.act.gov.au (opens in a new tab)
- NT NT Governmentnt.gov.au (opens in a new tab)
Read the law yourself
Ampd Bros is not a law firm, and nothing on this page is legal advice. It's our summary of the EN 15194 standard and how Australian road rules apply it. We encourage you to read the legislation for yourself.
For advice on your situation, talk to a qualified legal professional.
Certificates and downloads
NSW approvals, EN 15194 bike certificates and EN 50604 battery certificates for our models are all on our Compliance & Certification page.
Common questions
My bike's motor says 500W. Does that make it illegal?
Not necessarily. EN 15194 sets a continuous output of 250W for the complete drive system. It doesn't regulate the number printed on the motor or in a product listing. What matters is the sustained output the system is configured to deliver on the road.
Why does my bike briefly put out more than 250W?
Short peaks above the continuous figure, like taking off from a standstill or climbing a steep hill, are a normal part of how electric drive systems work. Continuous power is what the system can sustain over time without overheating, and that's what compliance is assessed on.
My bike has a throttle. Is that a problem?
A throttle is only compliant if it's limited to 6 km/h (walk assist). If it can push the bike faster than that, the bike isn't compliant as configured.
I never touch the settings. Does it matter that they could be changed?
Yes. The bike must not be able to exceed the limits through its settings. If the display or app lets you raise the speed limit or output past the thresholds, the bike isn't compliant, however you personally ride it.
Do I need a licence or registration for an e-bike?
All Australian states and territories except Queensland
A compliant e-bike is treated as a bicycle, so you don't need a licence or registration. Standard bicycle road rules apply, including the requirement to wear a helmet.
E-bikes that exceed the applicable legal requirements may be classified as motor vehicles. Most cannot be registered for road use and may only be ridden on private property.
Queensland
From 31 August 2026, Queensland requires e-bike riders aged 16 and over to hold a valid driver licence (minimum Learner licence). Equivalent interstate and overseas licences are also recognised.
Riders under 16, or those aged 16–17 who do not yet hold a licence, may still ride an e-bike when supervised by a parent or legal guardian. The supervising adult must remain close enough to provide instructions and assistance.
You cannot ride if your licence is expired, suspended or disqualified.
Registration and insurance are not currently required for compliant e-bikes in Queensland.
All riders must continue to follow applicable bicycle road rules, including wearing an approved helmet.
For the latest requirements, please refer to your state or territory's transport authority.
Do the same rules apply in every state?
The core limits do. Every state and territory recognises EN 15194 for pedal-assisted e-bikes. Each state sets its own road rules on top, such as age limits and where you can ride, and some add their own requirements, like NSW's battery safety rules. Check your state's transport authority for the latest.
Should I change my bike's settings or firmware?
No. Keep your bike in the configuration it was supplied in, and don't change settings or install firmware from anyone other than Ampd Bros. If anything changes for your model, we'll publish it on our Compliance & Certification page.
Can you send me a compliance certificate for my individual bike?
We don't issue certificates for individual bikes. The EN 15194 compliance sticker on your bike identifies the configuration it was supplied in. Model certificates, including NSW approvals, EN 15194 bike certificates and EN 50604 battery certificates, are on our Compliance & Certification page.
Questions about your bike?
Our team can talk you through the rules and your model's certificates.
This page is general guidance only and isn't legal advice. E-bike road rules are set by each state and territory and can change, so check your local transport authority for current requirements.
