Electric bikes (e-bikes)

Follow bicycle road rules

E-bike riders must follow the same road rules that apply to regular bicycles. That means always wearing a helmet, not using a mobile phone while riding and using lights in low light.

Find out more about the road rules for bicycles here.

E-bike requirements

Like regular bicycles, e-bikes don't need to be registered provided they meet requirements outlined below. Riders do not need a driver’s licence.

Riding an e-bike that does not meet the requirements on public roads and road-related areas is considered operating an unregistered motor vehicle and carries significant penalties.

There are two types of permitted e-bikes:

• Electrically power-assisted cycles (EPACs); and
• Power assisted bicycles with a power output of 200 watts or less

E-bike types and detail

Electrically power-assisted cycle (EPAC)

EPACs are the most common type of e-bike available today.

They have:

• at least one auxiliary propulsion motor
• a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts
• a motor that provides power assistance when the rider is pedalling, and only up to 25km/h
• a motor that does not provide power at speeds higher than 25km/h.

They cannot be propelled by a throttle (except up to 6km/h – sometimes referred to as “walk mode”).

Power-assisted bicycles with a power output of 200 watts or less

This category includes power-assisted pedal cycles which are not commonly available in Australian retailers anymore.

E-bikes in this category must not produce a combined maximum ungoverned continuous rated power output of more than 200 watts.

Due to their lower power output these bicycles have less stringent requirements compared to an EPAC, and exist primarily to allow legacy devices.

What is a legal e-bike in Victoria?

All e-bikes must have working pedals, it’s the law.

Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle (EPAC)

Up to 250 watts maximum power output

Components	Example	Regulation	Compliance
Throttle Switch		Electric assist without pedalling 0-6 km/h	Compliant
Throttle Switch		Electric assist without pedalling Over 6 km/h	Not Compliant
Motor and Pedals		Electric assist with pedalling Up to 25* km/h	Compliant
Motor and Pedals		Electric assist with pedalling Over to 25* km/h	Not Compliant

* A rider is able to travel faster than 25km/h by pedalling only, without any electric assist

Power-Assisted Pedal Cycle (PAPC)

Up to 200 watts maximum power output

Components	Example	Regulation	Compliance
Throttle switch and Pedals		Electric assist through throttle control with pedalling	Compliant
Motor and Pedals		Electric assist with pedalling	Not Compliant

Converted e-bikes are banned on trains

To prevent fire risk, converted e-bikes are banned on trains and in stations. Converted e-bikes are standard bicycles fitted with an electric motor kit. Find out more.

E-bikes that can't be ridden on public roads

You can't ride an e-bike with the following characteristics on public roads and road-related areas:

• e-bikes with toggle switches which allow the bike to override the legal power and wattage limits outlined above
• an EPAC which continues to provide motorised power above 25km/h
• any bicycle with a combined maximum continuous rated power output greater than 250 watts
• a device with no functional pedals
• a bicycle fitted with an internal combustion engine (e.g. petrol powered).

These e-bikes can only be ridden on private property. They're considered an unregistered motor vehicle and there are significant fines of over $1000 if you're caught riding one in public areas. 

Converted e-bikes

Converted e-bikes are pedal bikes that have been modified with an electric motor, controller and battery. 

To ride a converted e-bike legally on public roads and shared paths in Victoria, it must meet the e-bike requirements outlined above. 

Converted e-bikes are at higher risk of catching fire due to DIY installations, poor wiring, low-quality or mismatched components, and batteries that don’t meet safety standards. For this reason, converted e-bikes are banned from trains and public transport ticketing areas in Victoria, even if installed by a bicycle mechanic.

Battery safety

E-bikes typically use lithium-ion batteries which can pose a fire risk, particularly if they are improperly used, stored, charged, or manufactured.

You should purchase devices, batteries and chargers from reputable suppliers and always follow the manufacturer’s directions.  Look for compliance with standards including AS/NZS 3820, UL2849 or EN15194 and the Regulatory Compliance Mark.

Improper charging is one of the leading causes of lithium-ion battery fires. To reduce the risks of a battery fire:
 

• Only use chargers that are supplied with the device or certified third-party charging equipment that is compatible with the battery specifications.
• Don’t charge on soft or flammable surfaces.
• Don’t use damaged chargers, cords or batteries that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking, overheating or signs of mechanical damage.
• Don’t leave batteries or devices unattended whilst charging and once fully charged, disconnect them from the charger.

For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, visit:

• Fire Rescue Victoria – Battery safety
• Energy Safe Victoria – Lithium-ion battery safety
• Country Fire Authority – Charging and battery safety