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 or 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.
A power-assisted pedal cycle that meets European Standard EN 15194 is the type of e-bike that may be considered a bicycle. This has a maximum power of 250 watts and the motor must cut off at 25 km/h, or anytime you stop pedalling while travelling more than 6 km/h.
If your e-bike falls outside these rules, it may 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 – E-scooters and mobility devices | Transport Canberra
- 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?
- Have you checked your state or territory road rules?
If you are still unsure whether the e-bike is allowed to be imported, you can contact our call centre on 1800 815 272 for more information.
To assist with importation, you can also apply for an advisory notice. It is a formal notice provided to you confirming that the department has determined the e-bike you want to import is not considered a road vehicle. If the department does consider the e-bike to be a road vehicle, then you will need to apply for an approval before it can be imported.