An e-bike on your Christmas list? Start with a compliant bike

Written by Pedal Power ACT

All the things you can do on a bike, with a little extra help.

Get a boost up Canberra’s hills, make the commute easier or spend more time riding together. If you’re buying an e-bike this Christmas, here’s how to choose one that fits the rider and meets ACT requirements.

250 WMaximum continuous rated motor power
25 km/hMotor assistance cuts out at this speed
EN 15194Check compliance for the complete EPAC

Check the exact Australian model before buying. Brands can sell compliant bikes alongside higher-powered or off-road versions with similar names. Look for the EN 15194 compliance sticker on the frame of a pedal-assist e-bike.

Ask the retailer to confirm in writing. “Does this exact model and configuration meet EN 15194 with the supplied battery and charger, and can I legally ride it on ACT roads and shared paths? Can you show me the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity or the compliance certificate?” If a seller leaves you to work it out yourself or can’t back up their answer, get confirmation from the manufacturer or choose another bike.

See the ACT rules below for the separate 200-watt category.

Thanks to Bicycle NSW for the buying advice and the original brand list. Read its Christmas e-bike guide and browse its EN 15194 directory.

Find local shops, test rides and member discounts ↓

Open a brand for model examples and supporting documents where available. Try searching for Turbo Como 4.0, Suburban or Quick Haul.

Where to buy and try e-bikes in the ACT

Call ahead to check stock in your size and ask about booking a test ride. Bring the person who’ll ride it so they can check the fit and handling.

Show your current Pedal Power membership before paying and ask which items are eligible. View all Pedal Power member discounts ↗

What is legal in the ACT?

Electrically power-assisted cycles (EPACs) can have a maximum continuous rated motor power of up to 250 watts. Motor assistance reduces progressively above 6 km/h and cuts out at 25 km/h. The rider must pedal for assistance above 6 km/h. For a new EPAC, look for EN 15194 compliance.

Power-assisted pedal cycles (PAPCs) can have a combined maximum motor output of up to 200 watts. They require pedalling at every speed, must have a height-adjustable seat and must weigh less than 50 kg including the battery.

You can ride a legal e-bike on ACT roads and shared paths under the bicycle rules. The 25 km/h figure tells you when the motor stops helping. Follow any posted limits and ride at a safe speed for the conditions. Devices outside the ACT e-bike categories may be treated as motor vehicles and subject to registration and licensing requirements. Read Transport Canberra’s rules and permitted riding locations.

Pedal Power’s membership insurance excludes riding an illegal or non-compliant bike. Check the current policy terms and exclusions.

Your before-you-buy checklist

Buy from a retailer who can explain the bike’s setup and support you with servicing. Keep the retailer’s written confirmation and the compliance documents with your receipt.

What do the labels and power figures mean?

Look on the frame for EN 15194, the maximum continuous rated motor power and the assistance cut-off speed. A sticker is a starting point. Match it to the documentation for the exact bike, especially if you’re buying second-hand or the sticker is missing.

W measures power. For an EPAC, use the maximum continuous rated motor power. Wh measures how much energy the battery stores. A 750 Wh battery tells you about battery capacity. Peak motor power is a separate figure from continuous rated power.

EN 15194 covers the complete pedal-assist bike, including mechanical and electrical safety. Ask which safety standard applies to the supplied battery and charger. A battery certificate or UL electrical-system approval alone leaves the ACT road-use checks outstanding. See an example frame label in Pedal Power’s e-bike guide.

Can I buy a fat-tyre e-bike?

Yes. Some brands offer a compliant version and a similarly named off-road version. Ask the retailer to show the complete bike’s documentation and explain how its throttle and speed settings work. For public roads and paths, choose a bike with factory settings that meet the ACT limits and cannot be unlocked for higher power or assisted speeds.

Buying for children or carrying passengers?

Choose a bike the rider can comfortably control and stop. Check its weight and fit, and practise somewhere quiet. Before a child rides independently, talk through where they can ride, how to pass people safely and why the factory speed and throttle settings should stay in place.

Electric balance bikes without pedals, including STACYC’s Australian range, fall outside the pedal-assist category.

For passengers, use seating designed for them and follow the manufacturer’s load limits. ACT rules prohibit carrying more people than a bicycle is designed to carry. Read the ACT bicycle rules.

Charging, modifications and your first ride

Use the supplied battery and charger or a manufacturer-approved replacement. Follow the charging instructions, charge while you’re home and awake, and keep batteries away from combustible materials and escape routes. Stop using a swollen, damaged or overheating battery. Read ACT Fire & Rescue’s battery advice.

Keep the factory settings for the motor, throttle and speed limiter. Changes can make the bike illegal to ride on ACT roads and paths. Wear an approved helmet, get familiar with the controls, keep left on shared paths and give way to people walking.

Buying advice and model examples updated 12 November 2026. Confirm the exact Australian model, its documentation and current availability with the retailer.

How was this directory compiled?

Bicycle NSW’s Christmas buying guide informed our advice on checking the frame sticker, choosing a retailer, checking the battery and warranty, leaving factory settings in place, and helping young riders get started. Its EN 15194 brand list was the starting point for the directory. Use Transport Canberra’s guidance for ACT road and path rules.

The additional entries and model notes draw on information from manufacturers and Australian suppliers. Some brands serve fleet or specialist markets, so confirm retail availability and request the documents for the bike you’ll receive.

Manufacturer and supplier references

    ACT rules and local resources

    Pedal Power ACT

    Pedal Power ACT is the largest cycling organisation in Australia’s Capital Territory.

    We represent the interests of people who already ride bicycles and those who would like to.

    Our organisation is social and also works consistently with local government on all bicycle riding related matters. Pedal Power ACT is all about supporting the community to be active and providing opportunities to do so.

    http://www.pedalpower.org.au/
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