Rule changes for legally riding eBikes in Australia are moving fast now, with frequent announcements of rule clarifications and enforcement measures that can include anything from fines through to confiscation and destruction of the offending vehicle.
The rate of flagrant offending and injuries resulting from irresponsible riders on overpowered bikes has reached a tipping point.
As of February 2026, Australia is doubling down on the major crackdown on non-compliant electric bikes, particularly in New South Wales (NSW), with a tightening of national standards to align with European safety regulations (EN 15194).
The primary focus is on removing "souped-up" or modified e-bikes that exceed power and speed limits from public roads and paths. Update on the key changes:
1. New South Wales (NSW) Crackdown
- Seizure and Destruction: The NSW government announced that police will have expanded powers to immediately seize and destroy (crush) e-bikes that are illegally modified or do not meet legal requirements.
- "Dyno" Testing: Police are deploying portable "dyno" units to measure a bike’s power output and speed cut-off on the spot.
- Lowering Power Limits: NSW is transitioning to cap maximum power for road-legal e-bikes at 250 watts (down from 500W), aligning with the rest of Australia.
- Pedal-Assist Requirement: To be legal, the motor must cut out at 25 km/h, and the bike must be propelled primarily by pedalling. Throttles that allow the bike to move without pedalling above 6 km/h are illegal.
- Train Ban: As of November 1, 2025, converted e-bikes (regular bikes retrofitted with motor kits) are banned from Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, and Metro services due to fire risks.
2. National Standards and Changes
- Import Restrictions: The Federal Government has reinstated EN 15194 as the national standard to prevent the importation of non-compliant, dangerous devices.
- 250W/25km/h Rule: Across Australia, a legal e-bike (known as an EPAC—Electrically Power-Assisted Cycle) must have a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts and the motor must stop assisting at 25 km/h.
- Age Restrictions: While many states have no minimum age, Western Australia (WA) requires riders to be at least 16 years old.
3. Key Safety and Compliance
- Fire Safety: Due to the risk of lithium-ion battery fires, authorities are urging users to avoid modified, uncertified, or "unlocked" e-bikes.
- Penalties: Riding a non-compliant e-bike (e.g., 500W+ with no pedal assist) is treated as riding an unregistered, uninsured motor vehicle, which can lead to heavy fines, potential court appearances, and, in NSW, destruction of the bike.
Reid’s Top Tips for Staying Legal
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Check the label: Look for an EN 15194 compliance sticker on the frame or motor.
- Avoid "Grey Imports": High-powered bikes (500W+) designed for overseas markets are illegal on all public Australian roads.
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Helmet up: Approved helmets are mandatory in every single state and territory.
- Phone Away: Unless it's in a dedicated handlebar cradle, don't touch your phone while riding.
- Ride safely - and be sober: If you ride in an unsafe way and ignore the road rules, these factors will be considered in court and/or by insurance companies in the event of an accident. Riding like an idiot can have very serious consequences.
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