How Fast Can an E-Bike Go in Australia?

Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular across Australia as a practical and sustainable way of transport. They allow riders to travel further and faster without the same physical strain as a traditional bicycle; however, there can be confusion regarding how fast an e-bike can legally go and what rules apply in each state.

National Standards and History

Australia has adopted the European standards by implementing the “pedelec” classification for e-bikes. Under this standard, an e-bike must:

• Have a maximum continuous power output of 250 watts for the motor
• Cut off motor assistance when the bike reaches 25 kilometres per hour.

Once the motor stops assisting, riders may still pedal faster using their own effort.

If an e-bike’s motor exceeds these limits, or continues to assist above 25 km/h, it is no longer considered a bicycle under Australian law. Instead, it is classified as a motor vehicle, which means it must be registered, the rider must hold a driver’s licence, and the bike must comply with additional vehicle safety standards.

Some e-bikes also use throttles that can power the bike without pedalling. Throttle-controlled e-bikes are only legal if their motors produce no more than 200 watts of continuous power.

E-Bike Laws by State and Territory

While the national standard sets the foundation, each state and territory enforces the rules slightly differently.

 

State	Maximum Motor Power	Motor Assistance Cut-Off
Victoria	200 W (throttle) or 250 W (pedal-assist)	25 km/h
New South Wales	200 W (throttle) or 250 W (pedal-assist)	25 km/h
Queensland	250 W (pedal-assist)	25 km/h (6 km/h throttle-only limit)
South Australia	250 W (pedal-assist only)	25 km/h
Western Australia	250 W (pedal-assist)	25 km/h
Northern Territory	250 W (pedal-assist)	25 km/h

 

Can E-Bikes Go Faster Than 25 km/h?

Yes, but only through the rider's own pedalling. If the motor on an e-bike has been altered or "unlocked" to exceed the legal limits, then it is considered a motor vehicle. Operating an unregistered e-bike on public roads of this nature can result in fines, seizure, or prosecution; it can also void any insurance or warranties.

Why the 25 km/h Limit Exists

The 25 km/h limit ensures e-bikes remain safe for public paths and shared spaces. Faster motor assistance could pose higher risks to pedestrians and cyclists, especially in mixed-use areas. The rule balances performance with safety, ensuring e-bikes can blend into bicycle traffic without creating significant speed differentials.

E-bikes have become a preferred mode of transport across Australia, offering a faster and more energy-efficient way to travel. National regulations classify most models under the “pedelec” standard, limiting motor power to 250 watts and assistance to speeds up to 25 kilometres per hour. Beyond this limit, the motor must disengage, and only manual pedalling can maintain higher speeds. While each state enforces these rules individually, the core requirements remain consistent nationwide. These standards ensure that e-bikes remain safe, sustainable, and accessible while maintaining harmony with other road users.