Australia Electric bicycle laws

1 australia

1.1 new south wales
1.2 victoria
1.3 queensland

australia

in australia e-bike defined australian vehicle standards bicycle has auxiliary motor maximum power output not exceeding 200 w without consideration speed limits or pedal sensors. each state responsible deciding how treat such vehicle , states agree such vehicle not require licensing or registration. various groups lobbying increase in low limit encourage more widespread use of e-bikes assist in mobility, health benefits , reduce congestion, pollution , road danger. states have own rules such no riding under electric power on bike paths , through built areas riders should view state laws regarding use. there no licence , no registration required e-bike usage.

since 30 may 2012, australia has additional new e-bike category using european union model of pedelec per ce en15194 standard. means e-bike can have motor of 250w of continuous rated power can activated pedalling (if above 6 km/h) , must cut out on 25 km/h – if classed normal bicycle. state of victoria first amend local road rules, see below.

road vehicles in australia must comply applicable australian design rules (adrs) before can supplied market use in transport (motor vehicle standards act 1989 cwth).

the adrs contain following definitions bicycles , mopeds:

4.2. two-wheeled , three-wheeled vehicles
4.2.1. pedal cycle (aa)

a vehicle designed propelled through mechanism solely human power.

4.2.2. power-assisted pedal cycle (ab)

a pedal cycle attached 1 or more auxiliary propulsion motors having combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts.

4.2.3. moped - 2 wheels (la)

a 2-wheeled motor vehicle, not being power-assisted pedal cycle, engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 ml , maximum motor cycle speed not exceeding 50 km/h; or 2-wheeled motor vehicle power source other piston engine , maximum motor cycle speed not exceeding 50 km/h.

(vehicle standard (australian design rule – definitions , vehicle categories 2005 compilation 3 19 september 2007).

there no adrs applicable aa or ab category vehicles. there adrs lighting, braking, noise, controls , dimensions la category vehicles, referencing equivalent un ece regulations. approval required supply market road vehicle adrs apply , import approval required import road vehicle australia.

new south wales

in new south wales, motor assisted pedal cycles electric engines not need registered if maximum engine output less 250 watts. riders of cycles exempt registration must follow same rules cycles without motors, , vehicles requiring registration (mopeds) treated motorcycles.

however, of october 2014 petrol powered cycles banned.

victoria

a bicycle, designed propelled human power using pedals, may have electric or petrol powered motor attached provided motor s maximum power output not exceed 200 watts.

as of 18 september 2012, victorian road rules have changed enable pedelec used bicycle in victoria. change allow more options of power assisted pedal cycles under bicycle laws.

a pedelec defined meeting eu standard en15194, has motor of no more 250w of continuous rated power , activated pedalling, when travelling @ speeds of between 6kph , 25kph.

queensland

in queensland, situation similar victoria. there 2 types of legal motorised bicycle. first type, electric motor must not capable of generating more 200 watts of power. second type, known pedalec , vehicle must comply european standard power assisted pedal cycles (en15194).

the pedals on motorised bicycle must primary source of power vehicle. if motor primary source of power device cannot classed motorised bicycle. example, device rider can twist throttle , complete journey using motor power without using pedals, not classed motorised bicycle.

motorised bicycles can ridden on roads , paths, except bicycles excluded. riders not need have driver licence ride motorised bicycle.