Pedal Power’s Position Statement on Electric-Assist Bicycles and E-Scooters
Types of legal electric bikes
In the ACT, there are two types of legal electric bikes:
Pedalec (pedal-assist e-bike)
Motor works only when you are pedalling
Maximum power: 250 watts
Assistance cuts out at 25 km/h
May include a low-speed throttle (up to 6 km/h for take-off)
Both types must be designed to be primarily powered by pedalling, not the motor.
E-bike (Power Assisted Pedal Cycle)
May include a throttle
Maximum power: 200 watts
Must:
Have working pedals
Weigh under 50 kg
Have an adjustable seat
Pedal Power’s position
What is not legal?
Any electric bicycle that does not meet the requirements above is considered a motor vehicle. This means it must be:
registered
insured
ridden by a licensed rider
These vehicles cannot be used on shared paths, footpaths or parkland and may only be used on roads.
Where can electric bikes be used?
Electric bicycles can be used anywhere a standard bicycle can be ridden.
On shared paths
Riders should:
travel at safe speeds
give way to pedestrians
consider slower riders
avoid obstructing others
On roads
Riders must follow the same rules as standard bicycles. You can read these laws here.
E-scooters in the ACT
E-scooters are permitted under ACT rules with the following conditions:
maximum speed of 15 km/h on footpaths
maximum speed of 25 km/h on shared or bicycle paths
not permitted on roads or in bicycle lanes
road use is only allowed briefly where no path or verge is available.
Pedal Power supports the use of legal and roadworthy electric bicycles anywhere a standard bicycle can be ridden.
We also support the safe and lawful use of e-scooters and other personal mobility devices.
How to check if an electric bike is legal
Pedalec
Look for compliance with the EN15194 standard. This is usually shown on a sticker on the frame.
A compliant Pedalec will:
have a maximum power of 250 watts
stop providing assistance at 25 km/h
only provide assistance when pedalling
The standard also ensures safety requirements such as braking and electrical systems.
Warning signs of a non-compliant bike
no pedals
motor works without pedalling (for pedal-assist bikes)
fixed or non-adjustable seat
unusually high speeds with motor assistance
What a compliant e-bike will do
A legal electric bicycle will:
make hills easier to ride
assist with acceleration up to 25 km/h
reduce physical effort
It will not significantly increase top speed beyond what a rider could achieve on a standard bicycle.
Further information
For more context the ‘60 Minutes’ program, 'Riding for a Fall' provides extensive coverage of current Electric bicycle safety issues, featuring insights from WeRide. It aired on 16 November 2025 on Channel 9.