The internationally recognised e-bike standard EN15194 has been reinstated nationally. Shoppers are urged to make sure their purchase is legal and compliant. Photo: Facebook / WestCycle.
Thinking of placing an e-bike under your Christmas tree this year? Buyers have been urged to make sure the vehicles are compliant with a reintroduced national safety standard so they’re not breaking the law.
The Commonwealth recently confirmed it would reinstate the EN-15194 standard, the European standard for electrically powered bikes. This standard must be met for such a vehicle to be considered street legal.
This means electric-assist bikes (also known as Pedalecs) must have a continuous motor power rating not exceeding 250 watts and the motor assistance must cut out when the bike reaches a speed of 25 km/h (for pedal assist only).
The ACT, where Pedalecs meeting the standard are legally recognised as bicycles, already has these limits in place.
But the rules are different in NSW, where electrically power-assisted cycles have a maximum continued rated power of up to 500 watts.
We Ride Australia national advocacy director Stephen Hodge said making a blanket rule would ensure safety and consistency across the country.
“E-bikes are booming globally, they provide healthy, safe and affordable mobility for the more than half of all trips each day that are less than 5 km,” he said.
“The reinstatement of EN15194 means Australians will have the confidence to know the e-bikes they buy for themselves and their children are safe and fit for purpose.”
An electric bicycle that does not meet these requirements is legally an electric motorbike. Therefore, it must be registered, insured, ridden by someone over the age of 16 years and 9 months, and only where motor vehicles are permitted.
The sale and import of e-bikes has nearly tripled in Australia since 2020. According to market research company Mordor Intelligence, the e-bike import market was worth almost $110 million in 2025. It’s expected to reach $131.6 million by 2030.
Pedal Power ACT executive director Cecily Michaels said remembering the new national standard was particularly crucial as we enter the Christmas period.
“We’re seeing a rise in high-powered electric bikes being used on shared paths and in parks by children and teenagers,” she said.
“Many parents don’t realise these are classified as motor vehicles, not bicycles. What looks like a fun gift can in fact put young riders, and others, at serious risk.”
The Commonwealth is also working on creating a regulatory framework for e-mobility devices.
“[This is] to ensure safe and consistent supply and use of these devices in the Australian market, while still promoting mobility and innovation,” an Infrastructure and Transport ministers’ meeting (ITMM) communique stated.
“The framework will be underpinned by clear, enforceable rules of use, education and guidance material.”
Given there are public inquiries into e-mobility devices underway in Queensland and Western Australia, an update on development of this framework is expected in the first ITMM of 2026.
Further regulation could be on the way with the Road Vehicle Standards Amendment (Safer E-Bikes) Bill 2025 currently being considered by the House of Representatives.
In the meantime, Ms Michaels encouraged buyers to check the compliance sticker before purchasing an e-bike, and to ask their retailer for further information if they were unsure about the legality of a purchase.
“If it doesn’t meet the standard, it doesn’t belong on our paths.”
