🚲 E-Bikes: What’s Legal?
Most Aussie states follow the European Standard EN 15194, which states:
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Max 250 watts of motor power
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Pedal assist only — throttle-only bikes over 200w? Not legal for road use
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Speed cut off at 25km/h — after that, it's all you
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No rego or license required if your e-bike meets these rules
These are pretty much national standards under the Australian Design Rules (ADRs), but each state has its own enforcement rules around where you can ride and helmet requirements. Always check with your state’s transport website.
🛴 E-Scooters: Rules Change by the Postcode
The laws for e-scooters are much stricter and more varied:
In Queensland:
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Under-16s must ride with adult supervision (on separate scooters)
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Helmets are compulsory
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One person per scooter
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Speed limit is 12km/h on footpaths, 25km/h elsewhere
In New South Wales:
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Private e-scooters are not legal on public roads or paths
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Only hire scooters in trial areas can be used — and only in those zones
Each state is different, so always look up local rules. Police do issue fines for non-compliance.
💬 A Personal Take
Now, I don’t think I’m an old grump, but here’s my honest take:
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The 25km/h limit feels outdated. Cyclists on road bikes can easily hit 40–50km/h.
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A licence or safety test might not be a bad idea — too many people don’t know the road rules.
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Full-face helmets should be mandatory. A&E departments are full of e-scooter riders with busted faces.
🚖 A Quick Story…
Once, I was overseas in a taxi. We pulled out to pass a truck and nearly hit a tuk-tuk head-on. My driver shouted something and the tuk-tuk reversed. I asked him what he said. His answer?
“Can’t you see I’m bigger than you?”
Moral of the story? You might be right in a crash — but if it’s you vs. a car, you won’t win. Ride to survive, not just to be right.
✅ Final Thoughts
I’m not here to tell you what to buy. If you want a 2,000-watt beast of an e-bike — and you’ve done your homework — go for it! Just don’t rely on the word of anyone else’ (including mine or ChatGPT’s). Do your own digging, make your own call.
And most importantly:
Stay safe. Ride smart. Have fun!
