Road rules: E-bikes
What is an e-bike?
An e-bike is a type of bicycle that has an electric motor that provides assistance to the rider. This can be helpful when riders need extra power, such as riding up a hill. You can ride an e-bike on all Queensland roads and paths, except where bicycles are not allowed.
E-bikes must comply with these requirements:
- Pedals must be the primary source of power with the motor providing assistance only.
- The speed limit for an e-bike using motor assistance is 25km/h, however the bike can be ridden faster if powered only by the rider.
- The maximum motor output is 250 watts. This can be checked on the e-bike compliance sticker.
Key rules to follow
- Always wear a helmet.
- Give way to pedestrians on paths.
- Don’t drink and ride.
- Leave you phone alone.
- Ring your bell to warn pedestrians you are approaching.
- Only carry passengers if the bike is designed to do so.
- Do not ride on motorways or where ‘no bicycle’ signs are installed.
E-bike penalties
Not wearing a helmet
More than $160
Not giving way to pedestrians on a path
More than $160
Using a mobile phone while riding
More than $1,200
Riding with excess passengers
More than $160
Disobeying ‘give way’ or ‘stop’ signs
More than $480
Ignoring traffic lights
More than $640
*Fines can increase from 1 July each year so check qld.gov.au/transport/safety/fines/cycling for current amounts.
Non-compliant devices
There are an increasing number of non-compliant or illegal devices being ridden on public roads or footpaths. These devices are often capable of operating under throttle power only or have high-speed or high-powered motors that exceed legal requirements. These are considered illegal motorbikes and have one or more of these features:
- A petrol-powered or internal combustion engine.
- An electric motor that is the main source of power.
- Throttle control without pedalling (at speeds of more than 6km/h).
- The motor doesn’t turn off when you travel faster than 25km/h.
- Electric motor or motors exceeding 250 watts.
For more information, please visit streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/electric-bikes/ or call 13 2380 to learn more.
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