Ebikes continue to grow in popularity Queensland, offering a sustainable and practical way to commute, explore, and stay active in the Sunshine State. But while they look like regular bicycles, e-bikes are subject to specific legal requirements. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a parent, or a weekend rider, this guide explains the current ebike laws in QLD, including helmet use, motor power limits, riding zones, passengers, speed limits, and rules for children.
NB: Whilst my best efforts have gone into ensuring this article is thorogh and accurate at the time of writing, this article does not consitute legal advice, so please do your own research on the Queensland government website for the latest updates to ebike laws.
Do You Need to Wear a Helmet on an Ebike in QLD?
Yes — helmets are mandatory for all riders and passengers on e-bikes in Queensland.
“You must wear an Australian Standard (AS) approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on your head when riding.”
— Queensland Government: Bicycle road rules and safety
This applies on roads, footpaths, shared paths, bike lanes, and even off-road trails. Passengers, including children in bike seats or trailers, must also wear helmets.
What is the Legal Wattage for Ebikes in Queensland?
Queensland law allows two categories of e-bikes:
1. Pedalecs (EN15194 compliant)
- Maximum 250 watts continuous motor power
- Motor only assists while pedalling
- Motor assistance must cut out at 25 km/h
2. Power-assisted bicycles (non-pedalecs)
- Maximum 200 watts motor power
- Can operate without pedalling
- Must still have functioning pedals
“A bicycle with an electric motor must not exceed 200 watts unless it complies with the EN15194 standard (pedalec).”
— QLD Government: E-bike and PMD rules
Ebikes with motors exceeding these limits are considered motor vehicles and may even require registration, insurance, and a rider licence.
Can You Carry a Pillion Passenger on an Ebike?
Yes — but only under specific conditions:
- The ebike must be designed to carry a passenger, such as having a dedicated child seat, tandem seat, or trailer.
- The passenger must wear a helmet.
- Footrests are required unless the passenger is in a child seat or trailer.
“You can carry passengers only if the bicycle is designed to carry them and they are wearing a helmet.”
— QLD Government: Bicycle safety
What Are the Age Limits for Carrying a Pillion Passenger?
- Children under 12 months old cannot be carried on a bicycle or ebike.
- Children 12 months and older can be carried in a properly fitted child bike seat or trailer with a helmet.
“Children under 1 year old cannot be carried on a bicycle or bicycle trailer.”
— QLD Government: Cycling with children
There’s no set legal age for riders to carry a child, but supervision and safety precautions are essential.
Where Can You Ride an Ebike in QLD?
If your e-bike meets the legal wattage and has working pedals, it’s treated as a regular bicycle and can be ridden:
| Location | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roads | ✅ | Obey all road rules; avoid motorways and freeways |
| Bike lanes | ✅ | Use where available |
| Footpaths | ✅ | Permitted; must give way to pedestrians |
| Shared paths | ✅ | Allowed; ride courteously and keep left |
| Pedestrian crossings | ✅* | Only if you dismount and walk the e-bike |
| Motorways | ❌ | Riding is prohibited on high-speed motorways and freeways |
“In Queensland, you can ride on roads, footpaths, and shared paths unless a sign prohibits it.”
— QLD Government: Where you can ride
What Are the Speed Limits for Ebikes?
- Motor-assisted speed limit: 25 km/h
- Riders can exceed 25 km/h, but only by pedalling — not using motor assistance.
- On footpaths and shared paths, speed must be appropriate to conditions; there is no fixed speed limit, but you must ride safely and give way to pedestrians.
“Motor assistance must cut off at 25km/h for compliant e-bikes (pedalecs).”
— QLD Government: E-bike rules
Can Children Legally Ride Ebikes in Queensland?
Yes — children are allowed to ride e-bikes, but there are no specific age-based laws. However, the following recommendations apply:
- Children should only ride low-powered e-bikes (250W pedalec or less).
- Riders under 16 should be supervised and ride in safe, permitted areas such as shared paths and quiet streets.
- All child riders must wear a helmet and follow regular road rules.
“There is no minimum legal age, but ensure your child is capable of controlling the bicycle safely and obeying traffic rules.”
— QLD Government: Cycling with children
Some e-bike manufacturers may set age limits (e.g., 14+) for their models, which should also be followed for safety and warranty.
Quick Summary of Ebike Laws in QLD
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Helmet required? | Yes, for all riders and passengers |
| Max motor wattage | 250W (pedalec), 200W (non-pedalec) |
| Motor cut-off speed | 25 km/h |
| Pillion passengers allowed? | Yes, with proper seating and helmets |
| Minimum age to carry child? | Child must be over 12 months old |
| Where can you ride? | Roads, footpaths, shared paths, bike lanes (not motorways) |
| Legal for children to ride? | Yes, but supervise and use age-appropriate models |
Official Government References
Blatant disregard for road rules is a big problem in Elanora. Speeding through roundabouts, not giving way to other traffic users, and there is something wrong when bike riders pass a vehicle on the inside when the vehicle is complying with a 50kmh speed limit. Walking on paths in a park is risky when bikes approach almost silently from behind at high speed without any warning. Three helmet less teens on a bike weaving through traffic is a common sight coming from Palm Beach Currumbin High School at the end of the school day.
E-bikes are a wonderful invention but there must come a time when they are required to be registered and a test of safety rules before licensing the users.
I agree Jim – I also live in the area and have seen several uncomfortably close calls on and around the Gold Coast Highway due to various rules & regulations being brazenly ignored. The solution is the tricky part – is it possible to educate youth earlier with road rules and road safety, as this could be a more empowering and proactive approach. Or is a heavier legislation the only effective fix? I suppose time will tell. It’s certainly a major talking point for many who reside in this ebike ‘mecca’ here on the Southern end of the Gold Coast.