Bicycles

Electric bikes (e-bikes)

You can ride an electric bike in Victoria, but you must follow the bicycle road rules.

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

 

E-bike type

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.

 
 E-bikes with the following characteristics are illegal to ride 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).


E-bikes with these characteristics can only be ridden on private property. They are considered an unregistered motor vehicle and heavy fines apply for riding in public areas. 

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.

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: