E-Bike Laws in Australia (Max Speed & Full Guide)

General road safety rules, max power outputs and maximum speeds for e-bikes in Australia.
Bicycle safety guide for your state - bicyclenetwork.com.au/tips-re...

[@andrewtilbrook7881]

I thought I'd watch this video as it's a very recent one. I just want to add something with regard to the recent amendments to the max watts for e-bikes in NSW. In late February 2023 they increased the maximum power for e-bikes in NSW from 250 watts to 500 watts. Just thought I'd let you know as you made no mention of it, so I thought you should know.

[@courierquest]

Hey mate, thanks for sharing this here! I only just found out about this the other day so I’ll have to post an update. I like it, even though the top speed is the same I imagine it breezes up hills better.

[@drmm3936]

@@courierquest update your content...please..

[@courierquest]

@@drmm3936 thanks for commenting, there is a NSW update on the channel about this exact thing. Hope it helps 😊

[@cgi2173]

The thing that fricking annoys me about the motor assist cutting out at 25kph is you can go faster by leg power. I mean WTF?

[@yt.damian]

Then you dont need the assist.

[@ianvaughan9028]

Riding on the footpath in South Australia. You may ride on the footpath even if there is a bicycle lane on the road. If you are riding on the road you will still be required to ride in a bike lane where one is provided. When riding in a pedestrian area (the footpath, or shared path), you are required to keep left and give way to pedestrians.

[@courierquest]

Thanks for sharing mate, that’s really interesting. In VIC it seems to be that you’re not supposed to ride on the path unless your under 13 or its a shared path. I definitely do sometimes though if a road just looks too hectic!

[@markissboi3583]

SA Drivers R Blind been hit that many times or near misses i lost count 2012 /2022 i left sa back to country Vic town seems alot safer here :) except for a few drunk disabilty carts

[@stephenchallis1592]

Thank you!

[@brendanrx7]

My RC car, which i have local council approval for, is okay to be used at the local park). But by bike is limited to 250w pedal assist under cycling laws. Bike is also limited to 25Km/h. RC car has 2800w motor, can also do 0-70Km/h in 2sec.

[@hankcuccina5260]

Clear and precise, good job.

[@courierquest]

Thanks very much dude!

[@TC-vx9yv]

I have an illegal ebike. Being able to hit 40kmh if i need feels so much safer than having a huge speed differential with cars flying past you on busy roads, plus cars aren't held up as much. An increase to 32 kph seems like a better option. But 250w in a hilly area is a joke, USA has it right

[@julianskinner3697]

That's a great way to get licences and registration laws for all of us.

[@rodrigodelprat]

Shhh

[@derekjolly3680]

Just to add to the accuracy about the laws for e-bikes here in the United States, for the most part, and as a general rule nationwide, a 750watt limit and 28 MPH is the law. But what that really means practically speaking with settings, is that the motors often don't cut out their power until 31 or 32 MPH. Apparently, lots of guys have 1000watts bikes but I believe that actually requires registration of sorts, probably the same as mopeds. Lots of them don't have that, but the enforcement varies. The e-bikes can ride the footpaths (sidewalks) like anyone on regular bikes. I live in Arizona, and that varies state to state and also city to city unfortunately. As for me I only use the double wide sidewalks at times, with very few exceptions to that based on either bad traffic conditions or no other options.

[@kings7man]

What needs to happen is the introduction of a new category of vehicle to cater for e-bikes >250w i know the uk has this i think they are called pedlex and the US i think has it . maybe a nominal registration could be applied in this category discounted of course because these vehicles would not be able to use certain roads such as freeways .

[@rikman4609]

Need to add that would be nice to have info re throttles please 🤔

[@shottskies]

Are we surprised? Australia is a nanny state. Here you must conform..

[@cgi2173]

And if you have a bad accident with someone who deliberately disobeyed the rules, you will be calling for blood.

[@hj179]

I like them allowing riding on paths with a pushbike. I had a couple of near misses with semi's even while riding in the gutter. I was riding once and a semi passed me - If I never turned my head and saw the rear wheel heading straight for me I would probably have been squashed. I jumped off onto the verge just in the nick of time. It can be dangerous when there is a slight bend in the road and a semi's rear wheels get slightly offset from the front.

[@courierquest]

That sounds rough man, glad you saw it in time! Yea even if it’s not a shared footpath there are times that I’d rather ride on it than take the road if it just doesn’t feel right. You really have to just assume you’re invisible on a bike and treat cars/trucks accordingly. And there are also certain areas I just wouldn’t bother doing food delivery in cos it feels like a risk. I am old and have a very low risk tolerance these days though! 😅

[@hj179]

I think they changed the law because a woman back in 2015? got killed on a pushbike. This was the last straw for the authorities.@@courierquest

[@courierquest]

Ah that’s sad 😢 It’s weird though because in some places in Vic the general rule is still that you’re not allowed on the footpath unless your under 13 or it’s a shared path. But I know that South Australia is all paths are good. It’s definitely unclear enough to ride on the path and claim ignorance in my opinion, if you don’t fancy a road.

[@paulbeaumont4652]

I was pulled up for riding on a path alongside a busy road. The policeman gave me the standard talk about pedestrian safety but then agreed with me that giving me 'the chat' is lots better than scraping up my mangled remains off the road🤕🤕

[@hj179]

Yes, I've had quite a few close calls over the years on the push-bike. Incidents such as inconsiderate people suddenly opening their parked car door or even a pussy cat unexpectedly deciding to trot across the road. Cats are like rubber instantly jamming the front wheel. I remember doing a somersault and landing on my feet still holding a litre glass bottle of coke. Luckily I was younger and fit back then.

[@paulcoinc]

There's so many variations pending the state you live in. My bike is much more powerful but I don't go fast at all in town. I've gone by RBTs slowed because there are officers in the road and just been smiled at and waved to. On bike paths I again slow if there are other around to near 15k. I may have a wide path but you never know what could happen that you need to stop quickly. The reason I have a more powerful bike as well as most in my area is... we live on a mountain. That means steep hills that 250w won't handle. Very rarely do I go out of PA2 once in awhile 3. I've been to PA5 twice once on an open path just to try it and once to cross a side road so a motorcycle could make a turn on it.. that was for all of 15 seconds. The only interactions I've had with police were quick chats. Mostly saying they liked my bike type thing never negative. I ride safely around others go faster when on open roads or paths. Seems simple.

[@luigivaccaro1550]

We should be able to go at least 32klm per hour because some people don’t have a license and need to work and get around.

[@joshthomas2536]

You can still get around at that speed, just leave earlier like any normal person

[@antekosovic8305]

​@joshthomas2536 so what get up at 3:45am for a 6am start 5pm finish??!! Nup I'm going for the 100km/h

[@FATTY1990]

given i am a Aussie and Ride a Ebike you can use as much power as you want for off road use only alot of diy kits are over 250w that and they just have a wire that restricts them easy fixed

[@IN5T1NCT66]

Agree I think we need the power and speed to be higher maybe not 720 but we are not as packed in like the like UK etc and I think it would be safer as well

[@courierquest]

I know mate, yea. I imagine 750w would give a lot more torque when pulling away which could cause problems for inexperienced riders but adding a few kms on to the top speed feels ok.

[@StellaHulliet]

Hey there! I just stumbled upon this new project called freebeat Morph 2-in-1 eBike and I agree with you on the need for higher power and speed. While maybe not exactly 720, it would definitely be great to have more power, especially considering that we're not as densely packed as the UK. It would not only make riding more enjoyable but also safer. By the way, have you checked out the Morph eBike? It's a revolutionary eBike with dual modes that can be charged indoors. It has outstanding features like a 750W motor, 80Nm torque, and a top speed of 20mph. I think it's worth looking into!

[@derekjolly3680]

I think this is only one of several dumb laws about bikes in Australia generally. The whole helmet thing is misguided and harms the uptake on cycling. I've been there twice, NSW and Queensland, '95 and '85 respectively, and I remember having that imposed on me the latter time borrowing a bike and thinking what overreaching government baloney! It's one of the few times I've ever had a helmet on riding bikes, always when borrowing a bike somewhere, where the friend had been brainwashed to it, or simply had been imposed upon like there. On the higher limits I agree that someone inexperienced shouldn't be on an e-bike at all. I don't think teenagers have any reason to be on one. Probably with the aged, with decades of non-riding it's unwise too. But for someone with average cycling experience, it's an easy transition probably more along the lines of riding motorcycles or regular scooters.

[@Prefer2Hibrn8]

punishment in QLD is a fine for riding a motorbike without a licence plus loss of demerit points (if you have a car licence)

[@jasmainehashem3328]

Firstly, I really believe no sorts of bikes should be ridden on the footpath. Secondly, I think It should be limited to 18 and over with 40 km speed. I really believe 25 is like 40. If you are reckless, u will be still reckless on 25 km. It should be peddle assist as is.. However , there are many wrong dowers and the illegal sorts of bikes are spreading within our community as uber delivers, and unfortunately I don't see any sort of action from the police.😢😢😢 who agrees with me. I see this happening all over the city with the brand lithium bicycle where I was told it travels up to 50km. It's very sad.

[@katiekumcgil]

i have a enduro style ebike .its 85 volt dual motor,dual controller but i use a cycle analyst that restricts power to exactly 250 watt and speed to 25km for daily driving .so far i havent been questioned or challenged ..eventuually though im concidering getting it registered as an electric motor bike or moped so can use the 36000 watts or there abouts for some long distance travelling

[@courierquest]

Using a restricted is the smart way of doing things I think in case the laws relax in the future. NSW has already raised it to 500w so if you lived there you could easily have it retuned I imagine. What’s the deal with registering? You then follow motorcycle laws eg license, rego, insurance? Sounds like a fair solution. How big is your battery?

[@katiekumcgil]

yes im in sydney nsw, the batery i built is a beast it has 2 halves,that connect in paralell both are 20s x 10p of 45 amp high drain cells ,each is 35to 40 amp hours for total around 70amp hour,i did it this way so could just use one unit ,when going short distance so bike is lighter.And was easier having the 2 units with the battery immersion cooling using 3m novec dilectric fluid.all the controllers use the same cooling loop as well.

[@courierquest]

@@katiekumcgil that's such a great idea! I've mentioned this comment in a video I just put together and will publish tomorrow. Where di you learn how to build ebikes?

[@katiekumcgil]

ive allways been technically minded and because of health had to change career path,and also wanted to do alot of travelling around australia so decided to make one of the most advanced electric bikes there is ,that would allow me travel really long distance ,and aswell as the bike design and build an electric self powered Ecamper for the bike the camper also runs dual hub motors on 3 of its four wheelsand is about 3 metres long by bit over 1.3 metres wide and just under 2 metres tall over all,and is equiped withevery thing one needs for weeks at time in remote areas.the battery system also joins in the bikes system the camper is a 24 -26 volt system but uses 4 parralell dc to dc mppt boost converters that boost its output to 85 ,the same as bikes battery,ontop it has 2 x 340 watt solar panels with another 4 x 150 watt panels that extend out like abit of an awning and it runs through a 24 volt hybrid solar inverter and mppt charger built in,which was only like 300 aud on ebay

[@katiekumcgil]

i said had motors on 3 wheels sorry was typo i ment 2 of the wheels

[@intensecravingssmokehouse8532]

I think all Ebikes need to be faster and more powerful to be safer but at the same time registered and riders should have basic learners licences to know all the road rules

[@johndee68]

What state or territory are you referring to the laws from? As South Australia can ride bikes on footpaths.

[@dennislevy3603]

Whats pedelec? Many people fined in Sydney for using throttle, not pedelec

[@ykchew8363]

Hi Andy Thanks for the videos and information and it is really helpful for me. I've been scrolling through it and decided to comment here to ask for some advice as this is your latest video. I'm a student in Melbourne and recently signed up for DoorDash and will be renting from Zoomo as that is the only viable option for me. I would like to know what's the MUST have accessories to have before I even started, and does Zoomo offer them for rent as well? I know I need an insulated bag, how about things like lights, rack, jacket and helmet. Are they necessary? I'm trying to do a cost calculation before i start as I will only be doing it one day during the weekdays and one day during the weekends. I am planning to travel into the CBD and dash for at least 5 hours and travel back to the suburb and maybe try out a few trips in my suburb during dinner time. Will it be enough to cover my weekly rent for the Zoomo and on top of that earning a few extra bucks? Is it worth it? I appreciate if you can give me some advice mate. Thanks in advance.

[@courierquest]

Hey mate, thanks for the question! Firstly, yes I think that can definitely work. Maybe 2 or 3 hours of work per week will cover the cost of the zoomo rental with unlimited kms. Helmet and bag is essential, you’ll need to purchase them. Lights and phone holder are also essential but they come free with the bike. The rack on the back is not essential and costs extra to rent. I wouldn’t bother with that at the start, you can always add it later. CBD is the probably the only reliable place to earn money during the day and suburbs can work at dinner time so your plan sounds good! Breakfast time can also be good but nearly every order has hot coffee so be careful! Check out my zoomo review video if you haven’t already and feel free to drop any more questions 😊

[@ykchew8363]

@@courierquest Thanks for taking the time to answer me mate and also giving me much needed advice. I appreciated it a lot. My biggest concern is about theft, like when I stop by to pick up food, maybe stop for lunch or even for nature's calling. I need some suggestions and the best advice regarding this. Also for the coffee and drinks, does the Zoomo delivery bag comes with drinks compartments or cup holders ? Do you have any tips on handling drinks to prevent spillage so we don't have angry customers?

[@courierquest]

They’ll give you a lock, that’s plenty for when you’re picking up an order. For lunch, it depends on the area and how far away you are and if you can see it. You can always remove the battery as well, that’s an expensive part. Overnight I would always keep it inside my property but that might just be me. The zoomo bag comes with a foam cup holder but if the restaurant hasn’t packaged the drink properly with tape etc then it’s still likely to spill so check that before you leave

[@badabing8884]

The UK Govt now putting out for public consultation whether to increase e-bikes max power to 500 watts and throttle e-bikes allowed to 15.5mph. Aimed at e-cargo and disabled riders. I don’t think we need more power and speed. We need more protected cycle lanes on roads/ LTNs. Car drivers don’t want cyclists on roads and on shared paths Pedestrians don’t want them to be either or travelling at higher speeds. 10mph is fast enough.

[@sarahaubrey8096]

I’m pretty sure the previous NSW gov changed it to 500w just before the State election.

[@courierquest]

You’re absolutely right! I missed it at the time but I posted an update about this, 500w for NSW! 🙌

[@kevinbarrett1362]

I'm in Sydney and I'm seeing people riding around on e-scooters almost every day on footpaths and either they don't have a care in the world or don't realise they can't ride them anywhere unless its on private property. Tempted 🤔🤔🤔

[@courierquest]

We see similar in Melbourne sometimes too and I think that’s what’s holding back the laws being loosened. Although they don’t seem to enforce the existing ones anyway 😐

[@GregRickard]

Cops have better things to do. Unless you are doing something stupid they will leave you alone.

[@shaynebrookes9467]

Way to restricted

[@Spratdragon]

It's rather a joke. I'm a tall heavy man. 6'2 110kg. 250w just isn't enough for me. I was able to hit over 50km/h on my urban hybrid push bike. So stupid.

[@licklepickle6855]

If I have a e bike that can go 75kph but I only go 25 is it still ok?

[@courierquest]

Woah what bike do you have?! I think technically not but I don’t know how anyone would be able to tell unless you fly past a cop at 75kph! 💨

[@cgi2173]

As long as it is restricted to 25kph and 250w, it should be fine.

[@romanshrestha4321]

Is putting mirror on ebike legal in sydney?

[@courierquest]

Absolutely! :) Just remember to check by turning your head as well because you will still have blind spots

[@antekosovic8305]

I'm trying to go 100km/h gonna do it anyway

[@shottskies]

So what would be the go if you wanted to buy one of those powerful e-motorbikes? Is there a special registration for them? I wonder if you can use it but the gov would consider it to be a motorbike meaning you would need rego and lights, mirrors etc. (In this instance I would say Insurance as well) I wonder if this was the case could you use it without any power restrictions.

[@courierquest]

Great question. Pretty much, I believe you would have to register it as a motorcycle and then follow all the same rules as you would for a motorcycle e.g. license, insurance

[@gladiatormaximus4913]

Your country is strict about everything. You Aussies have it rough down there.

[@user-it6js5gq4l]

its officially the nanny state

[@gladiatormaximus4913]

@@user-it6js5gq4l that’s why you gotta join the Seppos!

[@Camnio1]

U do need a helmet...as u said also on a normal bicycle?...like by law in all states? Is this controlled by the police & anyone know what the fine is in WA? ✌️😅 Thx for the guide & advice btw

[@courierquest]

Hey mate, great question. Yes that includes WA. I think police will pull you over if they can be bothered, not sure what the fine is though. But as someone who hated wearing a helmet as a kid, and someone who now knows how easily accidents can happen through no fault of your own, I recommend wearing a helmet regardless of fines. Especially if you’re going to be riding in traffic Thanks again for the question dude and stay safe whatever you decide 😃

[@ruairim7551]

In WA we can ride on the footpath unless otherwise signed. Honestly, i avoid cycling on roads at all costs.

[@courierquest]

Thanks for the comment dude! I had to just look this up and you’re absolutely correct. The WA government have also published a whole heap of stuff about e-bikes recently so I’ll do a WA update soon 😃

[@ruairim7551]

@@courierquest We have a lot of bike paths already and the local government is mid-way through a huge 15y overhaul of the bike network (there's information websites on it). The bike rules here make sense, we don't have much foot traffic on footpaths due to heat and distance, so may as well let cyclists use them. I think they need to go a step further and extend that to e-scooters; they're currently limited to 10km/h on foot paths, which no one adheres to anyway. It should be 25km/h for all, wear a helmet, ring your bell and don't be a di%$; simple rules for everyone.

[@rickute1458]

OK, so here in the mighty northern Territory, you only need to wear a helmet if you ride on the road, you are allowed to ride on the footpath, speed limit is 20kph on ebikes, motor no bigger than a 250watt motor, lights and all that other crap is the same, but if you do get caught not wearing a helmet while riding on the road, the fine is only $10 ! Ha ha ha

[@rokoro34]

Law makers in this country are wild. Telling bicyclists they MUST ride on the road while also telling us we can't even go residential area speeds (50kph). Top tier morons.

[@jasmainehashem3328]

It would a great idea yo have it up to 40 km s I mentioned in my comments earlier, and why not have a law that we need to register it. Why not. It will allow more commuter to be able to afford travelling comfortably

[@markaquino3689]

I think its law is not fair

[@adamchristofi3463]

I suggest wear a helmet, stick to speed limit .enjoy riding feel free as the living being you are.motor wattage never to your knowledge.i know electric motors have peak and nominal power,do rule makers have a purpose of creating revenue I ask

[@markissboi3583]

Karenisation laws at it again ok i,m in my 60s now and tried to get a car licence again But no dot test fail by 2 wtf the triton i bought $5k will sit in driveway until a mate drives me fishing Now looking at a Reef bike 250wtt with a rack for au $1,200 IDK still looking at options DIY ? maybe the batterys the dearest part $450 i'll make a spare pack myself using good batterys buy one them tac spot welders $12 e/bay for long rides in along the river / camping anyway themKarens who sit in cars & govt offices making Ebike laws have no idea about anything

[@stevenbissett]

Hi Andy, I'm older than you but know nothing about e-bikes. That's because I would be embarrassed to seen on one. If I really wanted to get around and couldn't be arsed pedalling I would get a dirt bike rather than pissing around with an e- bike.

[@buckbuckleyson2259]

I'd be embarrassed to post this comment. Ebikes are tons of fun and super cheap to run. Can also be taken places motorcycles cannot be.

[@mick00000000002]

Lololololololl............ Australian. Law............... i must say. Australia 🇦🇺 is rule. Mick Australia 🇦🇺. Gong. ) Road rules. 1 metere to pass a bike. No helmet. No lights. Then get on foot path. A bus driver. To close . ( A bike can jump on a road. One metre space. Then jump on the foot path. No road rules . Where is law. ???

[@AnabolicBro]

Stupid laws

[@cgi2173]

They're in place for a reason.

[@buckbuckleyson2259]

Is it illegal to have a more powerful motor that is e-limited or just isnt used beyond the 250w limit?

[@courierquest]

That's actually a great question. I have a feeling that by the letter of the law, it should be "labelled as a 250w", hence we hear of people sticking 250w labels on bigger motors therefore it's a bit of a silly rule. In reality though, you likely won't have a problem unless you get caught speeding. If it's e-limited and you're sensible you should be fine. Obviously this advice is for entertainment purposes only! :D

[@buckbuckleyson2259]

@@courierquest yea I see people riding e scooters when theyre illegal 🤣 but it only takes one bad cop having one bad day to get you a nice fine or worse. Guess I'll get a 250w motor and tinker with amperage and voltage lol.

[@buckbuckleyson2259]

@@courierquest really sucks coz I'm very overweight, so a 250w motor is gonna work twice as hard for me. But I can ride pretty hard so I'll probably be getting myself up to speed and then let the motor do the rest

[@courierquest]

@@buckbuckleyson2259 I know what you mean and I always see people riding up hill without pedalling too - throttle only. I dunno man, ask around and see what the vibe is on enforcement. You'd have to be very unlucky to get pulled up for having a 500w if you're not going over 25kph. By the way, the limit is actually 500w in NSW, which I didn't know at the time of recording this video. That may or may not help you!

[@buckbuckleyson2259]

@@courierquest yeah, definitely a very low risk of even being pulled over - depending on your own behaviour especially. Not in nsw unfortunately 😅 I think 500w would be a real sweet spot though.