E-Bike Laws
In Victoria, e-bikes are classified as bicycles and are subject to the same road rules as bicycles. This means that e-bikes must:
- Be ridden on the road or on shared paths.
- Rider must wear an approved safety helmet at all times - Helmets
- Obey all road rules, including traffic lights and signs.
- Be ridden by someone who is at least 16 years old.
- Have a bell or other audible warning device. - Bells
- Have a white front light and a red rear light that are visible from at least 200 metres. - Front Lights Rear Lights
- Have a brake that is capable of stopping the vehicle within a distance of 4 metres from a speed of 10 km/h.
- The motor must be pedal-assist only and have a power output of 250 watts or less.
- The maximum speed of the motor-assisted power must be 25 km/h.
- Ebikes that do not meet these requirements are considered to be motor vehicles and are subject to different laws and regulations.
Electric scooters are also subject to specific laws and regulations in Victoria. These laws are designed to keep riders and pedestrians safe.
To be legally ridden in Victoria, an electric scooter must:
- Have a maximum speed of 20 km/h.
- Have a motor that produces no more than 250 watts of power.
- Have a brake that is capable of stopping the vehicle within a distance of 4 metres from a speed of 10 km/h.
- Be ridden on footpaths.
- Be ridden on the wrong side of the road.
- Carry a passenger.
- Tow a trailer.
- Riders of electric scooters must also wear a helmet at all times. - Helmets
There are penalties for breaking the laws governing the use of e-bikes and scooters in Victoria. These penalties can include fines, loss of licence, and even imprisonment.
Additional Tips for Safe Riding
In addition to following the laws and regulations, here are some additional tips for safe riding of e-bikes and scooters in Victoria:
- Be aware of your surroundings and ride defensively.
- Be prepared to share the road with other vehicles and pedestrians.
- Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Obey all road rules.
- Be aware of the specific laws and regulations governing the use of e-bikes and scooters in your area.
Helmets laws aren’t enforced at least in Victoria. They often protect bike handlebars from a collision as that’s where they hang. Same with use of escooters on footpaths… dear police, charge these riders
I am an extremely overweight person and have been advised by both my cadio and PT that a ebike would be life saving, but I have found very few bikes will support my weight and those that do I would need minimum a 500w motor again this is do to my weight (160kg) I do hope the state gov understands my plight and those of others and follows NSW lifting the wattage and allow access to those that desperately needed it
Hi.
I love riding on shared footpaths and run into people like Mr Barry Cooper here for fun. 😁
Is athrotle alowed as well as pedle asist
@Chris. Byrne
The Trail is ongoing till the 6th of October 2024. I’m assuming once it ends is when they will make some changes to the laws and regulations.