Australia's New National E-Bike Safety Standard: What It Means If You're Buying Now
Short answer: in August 2026 the federal government asked the ACCC to develop a national safety standard for e-bikes and other battery-powered mobility devices. It's expected to set limits on speed and power and require that bikes can't be easily modified. The rule of thumb won't change: a legal e-bike has a motor of up to 250 W that only assists up to 25 km/h. If you're buying now, look for a bike built to the European standard EN 15194.
What's been announced
- A national standard, led by the ACCC. On 6 August 2026, the government announced that the competition watchdog will develop a nationally consistent safety standard under Australian Consumer Law, covering what can be sold, including e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards.
- Speed, power and tamper-resistance. According to Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh, the standard will regulate how fast a bike can go and how much power it has, and make sure it can't be modified, with the ACCC expected to set it next year.
- Based on EN 15194. The standard will be informed by EN 15194, the European e-bike standard that the federal government reinstated as the guide for importing, selling and riding e-bikes in Australia.
Until the national standard is finalised, the states set the rules for riding, and they can differ.
What's legal right now (Queensland example)
- Maximum 250 W continuous rated motor power.
- Motor assistance stops at 25 km/h. You can go faster on pedal power alone.
- E-bikes made after 1 July 2026 should carry an EN 15194 label. Some older bikes may have an E-bike Assurance Scheme label instead.
- Compliance labelling for e-bikes becomes mandatory in Queensland by 28 February 2027.
- Since 31 August 2026, Queensland e-bike riders also need to be 16 and hold a licence (or a medical exemption).
A bike that looks like an e-bike but is faster or more powerful is treated as an e-motorbike, can't be ridden in public, and can be seized by police.
How to check an e-bike before you buy
- Motor power: 250 W continuous rated. Be wary of listings that lead with 500 W, 750 W or 1,000 W+.
- Assisted top speed: 25 km/h. Claims of 40–50 km/h mean it's not a legal e-bike.
- Standard and label: EN 15194 on the frame or in the documentation.
- Throttle: legal e-bikes are primarily pedal-assisted. A bike designed to be ridden on throttle alone at speed is unlikely to comply.
- No "unlock" features: settings or kits that remove the speed limit make a bike illegal on public roads and paths.
- Australian support: buy from a retailer that can honour the warranty and supply genuine parts and chargers.
E-bikes we stock that fit the 250 W rule
| E-bike | Why it fits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Moov8 M1 Folding e-Bike | Listed as built to the European standard; dual-fold, 18.9 kg, swappable battery | $1,598 |
| Moov8 C2 Cargo e-Bike | 36V 250W Bafang hub motor with torque sensor, built to carry kids and cargo | $3,698 |
Compare folding options in our best folding e-bikes guide. Not sure about a model? Ask us before you buy.
Why it matters for battery safety too
Overpowered and modified bikes push batteries and wiring harder than they were designed for. A national standard is aimed at stopping unsafe products entering the market. Read our battery safety guide for charging and storage tips.
FAQ
When does the national e-bike standard start?
The ACCC is developing it now, with the government saying it expects the standard to be set next year (2027). We'll update this page when details are published.
Will my current e-bike become illegal?
The national standard is about what can be sold. Whether you can ride a bike depends on your state's road rules, which already limit e-bikes to 250 W and 25 km/h assistance in Queensland.
What is EN 15194?
The European standard for electrically power-assisted cycles. It covers motor power, assisted speed, throttle control and electrical and mechanical safety.
Do e-scooters fall under the new standard?
The ACCC standard is expected to cover battery-powered mobility devices sold in Australia, including e-scooters and e-skateboards. For Queensland's current e-scooter rules, see our 25 km/h compliance checklist.
Sources: Andrew Leigh, ABC Radio Perth, 6 August 2026; Outdoors Queensland; Queensland Government: buying e-mobility devices; StreetSmarts. Checked November 2026.