E-bikes are becoming a top choice for Australians wanting convenient, eco-friendly urban transport. If you are thinking about importing e-bikes commercially, or buying one from an overseas website, a quick check now can save you money, customs delays and the heartbreak of ending up with a bike you can't ride on our roads or footpaths.
In Australia an e-bike is generally treated like a pushbike, but if your e-bike exceeds certain limits it might be classified as a road vehicle. That means it would require an import approval and must comply with applicable national road vehicle standards. And if Customs aren't sure whether it's a road vehicle not, it could be stopped at the border while an assessment is made - which could lead to hundreds of dollars in storage fees.
Power and speed limits for e-bikes in Australia
There are different types of e-bikes suitable for different uses and terrains, and they come with different specifications and features. But when you're deciding if the e-bike you want to import is classified as a bicycle or road vehicle, you'll need to look at what it's designed for and its specifications.
Speed and power limits are 2 key factors that determine whether an e-bike is classified as a road vehicle or bicycle.
There are generally 2 types of e-bikes that may be considered a bicycle if they meet the following specifications:
Electrically power-assisted cycle - A maximum power of 250 watts and the motor must cut off at 25 km/h or when you stop pedalling while travelling more than 6 km/h.
Power-assisted pedal cycle - A maximum power of 200 watts and cannot be propelled solely by the motor. The weight cannot exceed 50 kg, including batteries, and it must have a height adjustable seat.
If your e-bike falls outside these rules, it may actually be a road vehicle and all road vehicles require approval before they can be imported into Australia.
State and territory e-bike rules
Even if your e-bike meets import rules, you still need to follow the laws where you ride.
Check the rules in your area:
- New South Wales - E-bikes | Transport for NSW
- Victoria - Electric and motorised bikes - Transport Victoria
- Queensland - E-Bike rules in Queensland | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government
- Western Australia - Safety and rules | Transport WA
- South Australia - SA.GOV.AU - Riding a power-assisted bicycle
- Tasmania - Power assisted bicycles (e-bikes) - Transport Services
- Australian Capital Territory - Electric bikes and scooters - Climate Choices
- Northern Territory - Electric scooters and bikes | NT.GOV.AU
Before you buy an e-bike, ask yourself
- Does the e-bike meet speed limit requirements?
- Does the e-bike meet power limit requirements?
- Does the e-bike meet weight and seat requirements?
- Have you checked your state or territory road rules?
