Electric bike laws in Australia are similar in many places, but they are not identical.
That matters if you are buying an eBike online, travelling interstate or simply trying to work out which version is appropriate for where you ride.
This guide gives you the state-by-state picture without pretending there is one rule that covers every rider everywhere.
Last updated: 24 August 2026.
Queensland information has been updated for the rider licensing requirements applying from 31 August 2026. eBike rules can change, so always check the current government guidance for the state or territory where you ride.
The simple starting point
A common Australian public-road eBike framework is the electrically power-assisted cycle, or EPAC.
A common EPAC framework includes:
- a maximum continuous-rated motor output of 250W
- pedal assistance that reduces and stops by 25 km/h
- low-speed start or walk assistance only where permitted
- working pedals
However, some jurisdictions also retain older 200W power-assisted bicycle categories, and New South Wales currently has transitional rules allowing qualifying eBikes up to 500W.
That is why the safest approach is simple: check the rules in the state or territory where you actually ride.
Electric bike laws by state and territory
Use the sections below as a starting point, then follow the official government link for the jurisdiction where you ride.
Queensland
Queensland requires an eBike used in public places to meet the applicable eBike requirements, including a maximum continuous-rated motor output of 250W, motor assistance that stops at 25 km/h and throttle or start assistance only up to 6 km/h.
From 1 July 2026, eBikes used in public must meet the applicable EN 15194 requirements or, for certain eligible bikes manufactured before 1 July 2026, be verified under Queensland's E-Bike Assurance Scheme by 28 February 2027.
From 31 August 2026, Queensland also requires riders in public to meet separate age and licensing requirements. Riders on roads, road-related areas and in public places generally need to be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver licence. Queensland Government guidance states that a Learner licence from Queensland, interstate or overseas is sufficient.
This is a rider licensing requirement. It does not mean the eBike itself needs to be registered.
Queensland also has targeted exemptions in specific circumstances. Current Queensland Government guidance confirms that supervised riders aged 12–17, including 16 and 17-year-olds who do not hold a Learner licence, may ride under the supervision of a parent or caregiver who remains close enough to give instructions.
There are also exemptions in certain designated recreational areas, including qualifying rail trails, mountain bike trails and private off-road recreation cycling facilities. Do not assume every park, trail or private property qualifies — check the current Queensland Government conditions for the place you intend to ride.
Queensland has also confirmed a medical or disability exemption pathway for eligible riders aged 16 or older who cannot hold a driver licence because of a medical condition or disability. The exemption is not automatic and a formal process applies.
From 31 August to 29 November 2026, Queensland legislation provides that a rider does not contravene the new licence requirement where they have a reasonable excuse. This is not a blanket grace period and depends on the rider's individual circumstances.
Bike compliance and rider eligibility are separate. Choosing a compliant eBike does not remove the need to meet any rider requirements that apply to you.
Because Queensland now has several state-specific requirements, we keep the detailed information on our dedicated Queensland eBike laws page.
Official sources:
Queensland Government eBike rules
Queensland StreetSmarts rider rules
Queensland e-mobility licence exemptions
New South Wales
New South Wales is currently in transition.
As at 16 August 2026, eBikes powered up to 500W can currently be legal to ride on NSW roads where they meet the other applicable eBike requirements, including the 25 km/h motor-assistance cut-off.
NSW is moving to the EN 15194 framework. From 1 March 2029, eBikes used on NSW roads will need to comply with EN 15194, including the 250W maximum continuous-rated power framework.
A bike with a motor capable of exceeding the applicable power limit does not become compliant simply because software limits its output.
Official source: NSW Government eBike FAQs
Victoria
Victoria permits two main categories of eBike.
- EPAC: maximum continuous-rated motor power of 250W, assistance while pedalling, assistance cutting out at 25 km/h and throttle or walk assistance only up to 6 km/h.
- Power-Assisted Pedal Cycle: an older category allowing up to 200W maximum power output where the applicable requirements are met.
Official source: Transport Victoria
South Australia
South Australia currently allows two categories of power-assisted bicycle on public roads.
- Power-assisted pedal cycles with combined maximum motor output up to 200W, subject to the applicable requirements.
- Electrically power-assisted cycles with maximum continuous power up to 250W, with assistance reducing as speed increases and cutting out at 25 km/h.
Official source: SA.GOV.AU
Western Australia
Western Australia recognises:
- Power Assisted Pedal Cycles with motors up to 200W
- pedelecs complying with EN 15194 with motors up to 250W, with assistance cutting out at 25 km/h
Official source: Transport WA
Tasmania
Tasmania permits:
- pedal-powered bicycles with auxiliary motors up to 200W
- EPAC-style eBikes with maximum continuous-rated power of 250W, with assistance progressively reducing above 6 km/h and cutting out at 25 km/h or when the rider stops pedalling above 6 km/h
Official source: Transport Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT exempts qualifying motor-assisted pedal cycles up to 200W and pedelecs up to 250W continuous-rated power from registration, provided the bikes meet the applicable requirements and are designed primarily to be propelled by human power.
Official source: Transport Canberra
Northern Territory
Current Northern Territory public-facing eBike guidance states that a privately owned eBike used in public spaces must have a maximum power of 250W and be speed-limited to 25 km/h. Regular bicycle rules also apply.
Separate NT vehicle-standards guidance also refers to a 200W power-assisted bicycle category. Because the official material is not completely aligned, riders should check the latest Northern Territory guidance for the specific type of bike they intend to use.
Official source: NT.GOV.AU
What does this mean when choosing a Cooly?
For applicable Cooly models, we keep the product decision separate from the legal fine print.
A genuine separate 250W configuration designed for public-road use where permitted, subject to the rules in your state or territory.
A separate higher-powered configuration intended for private-property use only. It is not supplied or represented as an eBike for public-road or public-path use.
These are separate product configurations, not selectable power modes.
Before you buy or ride
Check three things:
Public roads and paths or private property?
Make sure the configuration matches your intended use.
Requirements can apply separately to the bike, the rider and where or how the bike is used. Check the current rules for your state or territory.
Ready to find the right Cooly?
If public-road riding is your priority, explore the current Cooly range and choose the appropriate 250W Public-Road Version where available, then check the current rider and riding requirements that apply in your state or territory.
Explore the Cooly electric bike range →
Queensland rider?
Read the full Queensland eBike laws guide →
If you are unsure which Cooly configuration suits where you plan to ride, contact the Cooly Crew before purchasing.
Gold Coast roots. Australia-wide support.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with your state or territory transport authority before purchasing or riding.