How do I know if my electric bike is illegal?

We all know that legal “stuff” can be a bit daunting especially if you’re unfamiliar with the topic at hand.

At Jot Bikes, we want to get rid of the legal jargon and let you know the key bits of information to help keep you Australian Electric Bike Law compliant.

Before we begin, this is not legal advice and we are not legal professionals. You should consult a profession for answers relating to a specific electric bike and your individual circumstances.

Therefore, we have put together the following questions to help you assess whether the electric bike you are currently using or looking to purchase or rent is compliant and legal on Australian roads.

Sydney delivery rider fined $2000 for riding a non-compliant electric bike classified as an “unregistered motorbike”

Sydney delivery rider fined $2000 for riding a non-compliant electric bike classified as an “unregistered motorbike”

 

1. Is your electric bike’s motor limited to 25km per hour?

In Australia, ebikes are defined by the Australian Vehicle Standards as a bicycle that has an auxiliary motor with a maximum continuous power output not exceeding 250W without consideration for speed limits or pedal sensors. Confusing right? Simply put your Jot Bikes pedal assisted motor will only ‘kick in’ when you’re riding above 6km/h and ‘cut out’ when you exceed 25km/h, giving you the much needed boost riding up steep hills or acceleration from a slow rolling start. If you are travelling more than 25km/hr such as when going downhill that is fine so long as your motor is not activated.

 

2. Does your electric bike have a throttle?

Electric Bike Laws in Australia vary slightly from state to state, however, one thing that is certain is that for all e-bikes the pedals must be the primary source of power for the bike. All Jot Bikes are a pedelec design meaning that you need to pedal to activate the motor for extra power. A device where the rider can twist a throttle and complete a journey using motor power only without using the pedals is not classified as an e-bike so does not comply. Whilst it may be easier to use a throttle and not pedal, this is not permitted.

Power-assisted pedal cycle (electric bike) regulations in New South Wales, Australia

Power-assisted pedal cycle (electric bike) regulations in New South Wales, Australia


3. Is the continuous output of your electric bike motor limited to 250 watts?

Electric bikes are only permitted to have a continuous maximum output of 250 watts. You may exceed this power limit for short periods such as going up a steep hill. Therefore, you should reconsider when you see electric bikes advertised at high figures such as 1000 watts as these can only be used on private property.

4. Are you wearing a helmet?

When riding any bike in Australia whether powered or normal bicycle the same rules apply regarding wearing the correct safety gear. Since the 1990s it has been mandatory in Australia to wear a bicycle helmet whenever or wherever riding. Jot Bikes provides every rider with a bicycle helmet which conforms to the AS/NZS 2063:2008 standard for bicycle helmets. If found not wearing a helmet by police, you can receive a fine between $100 to $300 depending on state however, the risk to your safety could be much worse.

 

 

Looking for a legal electric bike to ride on the road? Check out our large range of electric bikes at https://jotbikes.com.au