Electric Bike and Scooter Laws in the Australia

Electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) are rapidly growing in popularity across Australia, offering a fun and eco-friendly way to navigate city streets, trails, and local roads. However, as the use of these electric mobility devices increases, so does the need to understand the legal landscape.

The rules surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters can vary significantly from state to state, and not following the regulations could lead to fines and penalties. To help you navigate the rules and stay safe, here's a comprehensive guide to e-bike and e-scooter laws across Australia, including safety tips and the most common questions.

Are Electric Bikes Legal in Australia?

Electric bikes are allowed on public roads in Australia, but there are specific conditions that riders must meet to ensure they are in compliance with local laws. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Requirements for E-Bikes:

• Motor Power: Your e-bike must have a motor no more powerful than 250W (or 500W in some states like NSW).
• Speed Limit: The motor can only assist up to 25 km/h. This is the maximum speed limit for legal e-bikes.
• Pedal Assist: The bike must be pedal-assisted, meaning the motor activates only when you're pedaling.
• No License or Registration: For bikes that comply with these regulations, no license, registration, or permit is required.

Helmet Rule: Wearing a helmet is mandatory, and it must comply with Australian safety standards.

Riding Locations: You can ride e-bikes on most public roads, bike paths, and shared paths, but some restrictions apply. It's also important to check if your local area has additional rules.

Are Electric Scooters Legal in Australia?

While electric scooters are legal to ride on private property, their use on public roads is subject to state-specific laws. Some states allow limited use of e-scooters on public roads or bike paths, while others have more restrictive rules. Here's an overview of e-scooter legislation across different states:

Electric Scooter Legislation by State

New South Wales (NSW)

• E-scooter use: Private e-scooters are not allowed on public roads, footpaths, or bike lanes in NSW. However, e-scooters can be used in trial areas like Kogarah, Albury, and Wollongong.
• Speed Limits: Max 20 km/h on roads and 10 km/h on shared paths. No riding on roads with speed limits over 50 km/h.
• Age Restrictions: Riders must be at least 16 years old.
• Alcohol and Drugs: Same as for motor vehicles: BAC limit of 0.05, with fines up to $5,500.

Queensland

• E-scooter use: E-scooters are classified as personal mobility devices. Riders must adhere to motorist road rules, along with specific e-scooter laws.
• Speed Limits: Max 12 km/h on footpaths, 25 km/h on bike lanes or local roads with speed limits under 50 km/h.
• Age Restrictions: Riders aged 16+ can ride unsupervised; riders aged 12-15 must be supervised.
• Mobile Phones: Phones must be mounted or stored out of sight.

Victoria

• E-scooter use: E-scooters can only be used in public if they don’t exceed 25 km/h. No passengers allowed.
• Speed Limits: Max 20 km/h in public spaces.
• Age Restrictions: Must be 16+ to ride.
• Mobile Phones: Prohibited while riding.

Western Australia

• E-scooter use: Allowed only on roads with speed limits of 50 km/h or less and bike lanes on such roads.
• Speed Limits: Max 10 km/h on footpaths, 25 km/h on bike paths, local roads, or shared paths.
• Alcohol and Drugs: BAC limit of 0.05, same as motor vehicles.

South Australia

• E-scooter use: As of February 2024, e-scooter trials are ongoing in select locations. Riders can only use hired e-scooters at trial sites.
• Speed Limits: Max 15 km/h.

Tasmania

• E-scooter use: Allowed on footpaths, shared paths, bike paths, and local roads with speed limits under 50 km/h.
• Speed Limits: Max 15 km/h on footpaths, 25 km/h on bike paths and shared roads.

Northern Territory

• E-scooter use: Only e-scooters from Beam Mobility Australia are allowed on public roads and footpaths. No privately owned e-scooters can be used in public.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• E-scooter use: E-scooters are allowed on footpaths, shared paths, and bike paths. Riders must give way to pedestrians and cannot carry passengers.
• Speed Limits: Max 15 km/h on footpaths, 25 km/h on shared paths.

Safety Tips for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Whether you're riding an e-bike or e-scooter, safety should always be your top priority. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Wear a Helmet: Helmets are mandatory for both e-bike and e-scooter riders. Ensure your helmet complies with Australian standards.
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Ride defensively and always be mindful of pedestrians, other vehicles, and changing road conditions.
3. Use Lights at Night: Ensure your e-bike or e-scooter is equipped with a front white light and rear red light when riding at night or in low-visibility conditions.
4. Avoid Mobile Phones: Using a phone while riding is prohibited in most states. If you need to use it, make sure it is mounted securely and used for navigation purposes only.

General Tips for Staying Legal and Safe

• Know Your Local Laws: Regulations can differ by state, and staying informed is essential to avoid fines or penalties.
• Check Your E-Bike or E-Scooter’s Specifications: Ensure your e-bike or e-scooter is compliant with local speed limits and power requirements.
• Stay Sober: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. Always abide by the legal BAC limits of your state.

Key Takeaways:

• E-bikes are generally legal in Australia as long as they meet certain specifications (250W motor, 25 km/h max speed).
• E-scooters have stricter regulations, varying significantly between states. Be sure to check local laws for rules about speed limits, where you can ride, and age requirements.
• Safety First: Always wear a helmet, follow speed limits, and stay sober when riding.