Ebikes are rapidly gaining traction in South Australia, offering a clean, efficient and enjoyable way to get around—and even tackle our-state’s parks and shared paths. But they’re governed by specific rules. Whether you’re commuting, running errands or showing the kids the ropes, here’s your complete guide to the South Australia’s ebike laws on:
- Helmet requirements
- Motor wattage limits
- Pillion passengers & age limits
- Where you can (and can’t) ride
- Speed limits & rules
- Children riding ebikes
NB: This article is for guidance only. Always check the official SA Government links below for the latest regulations.
1. Do You Need to Wear a Helmet on an Ebike in SA?
Yes — helmets are mandatory for all riders (and any passengers) on power-assisted bicycles in South Australia.
“Riders are bound by the same rules as for other bicycles, including the need for the rider to wear a helmet.”
— SA Government: Riding a power-assisted bicycle Home
2. What Is the Legal Wattage for Ebikes in SA?
South Australia recognises two categories of power-assisted bicycles:
| Type | Max Motor Power | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Power-Assisted Pedal Cycles | ≤ 200 W | Motor assists only while pedalling; pedals must remain primary source of propulsion; tare weight < 50 kg Home |
| Electrically Power-Assisted Cycles (EPAC) | ≤ 250 W | Motor assists while pedalling; power progressively reduces above 6 km/h and cuts off at 25 km/h Home |
Any e-bike exceeding these wattages (or propelled solely by its motor) is classified as a motor vehicle—requiring registration, a licence and compulsory third-party insurance.
3. Can You Carry a Pillion Passenger on an Ebike?
Yes — but only if your bicycle is specifically designed to carry someone else. Valid configurations include:
- Towing a trailer rated to carry a person
- Using an approved child-carrier seat permanently affixed to the frame
In all cases:
- Rider and passenger must wear a helmet
- Footrests or appropriate seating attachments must be provided
“The trailer must be able to carry a passenger safely and the passenger must wear an approved helmet.”
— DPTI Cycling & the Law (SA) Home
4. What Are the Age Limits for Riding with a Pillion Passenger?
- Rider’s minimum age to tow a passenger in a trailer: 16 years
- Passenger age limit for trailers: Under 10 years old
- Child-carrier seats: passenger must be at least 1 year old and wear a helmet
“You must not tow a bicycle trailer carrying a person unless you are 16 years old or older, or a bicycle trailer with a passenger 10 years old or older.”
— DPTI Cycling & the Law (SA) Home
There is no separate minimum age for riding tandem-style bikes or EPACs with two seats—provided the bike is built for two, and helmets and seating rules are met.
5. Where Can You Ride an Ebike in SA?
Power-assisted bicycles that meet the above specs are legally treated identically to conventional bicycles and may be ridden on:
| Location | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roads | ✅ | Obey all road rules; freeways and highways prohibited |
| Bike lanes | ✅ | |
| Shared paths & cycleways | ✅ | Give way to pedestrians; keep left |
| Footpaths | ✅ | No statewide ban—ride courteously and yield to walkers |
| Parks & off-road trails | ✅* | Where signage permits; check local council rules |
* In some conservation reserves or council-managed parks, e-bikes may be restricted—always check on-site signage or council websites.
6. What Are the Speed Limits for Ebikes?
- Motor-assist cut-off: 25 km/h for EPACs
- Above 25 km/h: Pedalling alone must propel the bike
- Shared paths/footpaths: No fixed limit—but riders must go at a safe, appropriate speed, always giving way to pedestrians
“The motor cuts off once the cycle reaches 25 km/h or the cyclist is not pedalling and the speed exceeds 6 km/h.”
— SA Government: Riding a power-assisted bicycle Home
7. Can Children Legally Ride Ebikes in SA?
There is no minimum legal age for riding an EPAC or power-assisted cycle in South Australia. However:
- Under 16 years: Best suited to ≤ 250 W EPACs, and adult supervision is strongly recommended
- All riders (any age) must wear a helmet and follow the same road rules as adults
Parents should ensure their child can safely control the bike and understands basic traffic protocols before unsupervised rides.
8. Quick Summary of SA Ebike Laws
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Helmet | Mandatory for all riders & passengers Home |
| Motor power | ≤ 200 W (power-assist), ≤ 250 W (EPAC) Home |
| Motor cut-off speed | 25 km/h |
| Pillion passengers | Only via purpose-built trailers or seats; helmets & footrests required Home |
| Child passenger age | ≥ 1 year old in approved seat; trailer ≤ 10 years; rider ≥ 16 years for trailers Home |
| Where to ride | Roads, lanes, shared paths, footpaths; check local signage for off-road areas |
| Children riding | No min. age; ≤ 250 W; helmet & supervision recommended |
9. Official Government References
- SA Government: Riding a power-assisted bicycle
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/cycling/riding-a-power-assisted-bicycle Home - DPTI Cycling & the Law (PDF)
https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/23438/DPTI-Cycling-and-the-Law-Booklet.pdf Home
Enjoy exploring South Australia on two (electric) wheels—safely and legally!