Are Electric Bikes Legal in Australia? The 2026 Guide to Street Legal Riding (NSW, VIC, QLD)

Confusion about e-bike laws is the number one reason Australians hesitate to buy. With terms like "250W," "EN15194," and "Throttle" floating around, it’s hard to know what’s allowed on the road and what will get you a hefty fine.

At EWHIP, we believe you shouldn't need a law degree to ride a bike. Here is the simple, no-nonsense guide to staying street legal in Australia.

The Golden Rule: 250W and 25km/h

To ride legally on public roads, cycle paths, and shared paths in Australia without a license or registration, your e-bike must meet the EN15194 Standard.

In simple terms, this means:

• Motor Power: Max 250 Watts continuous rated power.

• Speed Limit: Motor assistance must cut off at 25 km/h.

• Pedal Assist: The motor should only activate when you pedal (Pedelec).

If a bike has a 750W or 1000W motor, it is illegal on public roads in every state in Australia. These are classified as unregistered motorbikes, and riding one can lead to fines, confiscation, or voided insurance in an accident.

"But what about Throttles?"

This is where it gets tricky.

• Walk Assist (Legal): A throttle that propels the bike up to 6km/h (walking pace) is 100% legal.

• 200W Exception: In some cases, a throttle is allowed if the motor is under 200W, but these are rare on modern fat tyre bikes.

• The Solution: EWHIP bikes are designed to be fully compliant with EN15194, focusing on high-torque Pedal Assist systems that give you power without breaking the law.

State-by-State Breakdown

While the Federal law is standard, there are small local nuances.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW is reducing to the 250W limit. Police actively target "high powered" delivery bikes.

• Verdict: Stick to a certified EN15194 bike like The Boom to avoid fines.

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria enforces the 25km/h limit rigorously.

• Verdict: Do not unlock or "chip" your e-bike speed if you plan to ride on Melbourne bike paths.

Queensland (QLD)

Similar to NSW, but generally allows riding on footpaths (at safe speeds), whereas NSW restricts adult cyclists to roads and shared paths.

Why "Street Legal" Matters for Insurance

This is the point most riders forget. If you are riding an illegal 1000W bike and you are involved in an accident with a car or pedestrian:

1. You are riding an "unregistered motor vehicle."

2. Your personal liability insurance (often included in home contents) will likely void your claim.

The EWHIP Promise

We don't sell toys; we sell transport. Every EWHIP bike, from The Captain to The Boom, is built to meet Australian Standards (EN15194). We use high-torque 250W Bafang motors that give you the hill-climbing power you need, while keeping you 100% safe and legal in the eyes of the law.

Ready to ride worry-free? Shop our Street Legal Collection